The Supreme Court is hearing petitions related to the controversial movie "The Kerala Story".The producer of the film, Sunshine Productions, has approached the Court challenging the ban imposed by the State of West Bengal against the movie and the alleged shadow ban in Tamil Nadu.The Court is also considering petitions filed by individuals challenging the refusal of the Kerala High Court to...
The Supreme Court is hearing petitions related to the controversial movie "The Kerala Story".
The producer of the film, Sunshine Productions, has approached the Court challenging the ban imposed by the State of West Bengal against the movie and the alleged shadow ban in Tamil Nadu.
The Court is also considering petitions filed by individuals challenging the refusal of the Kerala High Court to stay the exhibition of the film.
The hearing is going on before a bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice PS Narasimha and Justice JB Pardiwala.
Senior Advocate Harish Salve is appearing for the producer. Senior Advocate AM Singhvi appearing for the State of West Bengal. Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan appearing for West Bengal Police.
Live updates from the hearing can be followed herer.
CJI DY Chandrachud: We will define a doctrine- what is permitted and what is not. We'll look at the film and decide.
SG Mehta: Regarding movies, your lordships have always said that don't watch it if you don't want. After vacations nothing will happen.
Ahmadi: Please see the film over the weekend and then decide.
Salve: If your lordships hear over vacation, i have no problem but i want to file a reply
SG Mehta: I am for UOI, this is setting a bad precedent.
CJI DY Chandrachud: We will hear the matter and lay down guidelines.
Ahmadi: There may be discrimination in terms of employment also. A private person who sees this film and may have a point of view, will not employ person from that community. Ramifications are large.
Ahmadi: The prejudice created by a propoganda film- that is also to be seen. Don't see it just from the perspective of violence. That community will face discrimination also when he goes to rent a house.
CJI DY Chandrachud: We'll first see the film so we can contextualise and then decide.
Ahmadi: If it runs its course, the damage will be done...
Ahmadi: If today, films in cinema have a run- one month or two months, if the film runs its entire course, the damage will be done.
Ahmadi: Another scene shows remarks against Shiva and Rama. I'm not reading it because i find it difficult to read. These are attributed to a Muslim. The consequence of that is- the hate generated- that is to be borne into mind
Ahmadi: They also say nationalism is a sin and that being a Muslim is the only identity...