The Supreme Court of India has put a stay on the West Bengal government’s order of banning the screening of ‘The Kerala Story’ movie due to it’s controversial content.
On May 12, the Supreme Court issued a series of questions to the West Bengal government on the film’s ban, stating that it is being shown throughout the country and there is no reason why it should be banned in West Bengal.
As the film has been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), a bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud stated that it is the responsibility of the state government to ensure law and order.
During the hearing, the bench also questioned the film’s assertion that 32,000 women from Kerala had been deceitfully converted to Islam and ISIS, and instructed ‘The Kerala Story’ producers to include a disclaimer that will clarify that the film represents a fictionalized version of subject matter.
The producers also agreed to put disclaimer by 5 p.m. on May 20. The Supreme Court also ordered Tamil Nadu’s government to provide adequate protection for the film’s theatrical release.
The verdict came just days after the makers of ‘The Kerala Story’ petitioned the Supreme Court to overturn a West Bengal ban on the film.
While justifying its prohibition on the film’s exhibition, the West Bengal government told the Supreme Court that ‘The Kerala Story’ is based on altered facts and contains hate speech in various parts, which may cause strife between the groups.
In a counter-affidavit, the state administration claimed that allowing the film to be shown would result in a disturbance of the peace, which would be detrimental to justice.
Helmed by Sudipto Sen, ‘The Kerala Story’ stars Adah Sharma, Yogita Bhalani, Sonia Balani, Siddhi Idnani. Released on 5 May, the film has grossed over Rs. 164 crore at the Indian box office as of now. The film is on the way to enter into 200 crore club by the 3rd weekend.
