Kerala High Court slams CBFC for ignoring certification guidelines while clearing The Kerala Story 2, orders re-examination, and stays film’s release for 15 days amid legal challenge.
The Kerala High Court has placed an interim stay of 15 days on the release of The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, sharply criticising the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for prima facie ignoring certification guidelines while granting clearance to the film. The court has directed the censor body to re-examine the certification process, citing serious concerns over the film’s content and its potential social impact.
Court Says CBFC Ignored Mandatory Certification Guidelines
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, while issuing the interim order, observed that the CBFC had failed to properly apply statutory guidelines under the Cinematograph Act while certifying the film. The court noted that even the teaser content had the potential to distort public perception and disturb communal harmony, warranting closer scrutiny.
The bench stated that dissemination of content capable of creating discord or undermining social harmony cannot fall under protected freedom of expression, especially when it risks disturbing law and order.
High Court Orders Re-Examination of Certification
Taking serious exception to the CBFC’s approach, the High Court asked the censor board to re-examine the film’s certification in light of statutory mandates, stressing that the board must adhere strictly to established guidelines before approving sensitive content.
The court’s intervention follows petitions challenging the certification, arguing that the film’s narrative and title could stigmatise Kerala and incite communal tension.
Release Stayed for 15 Days Amid Legal Challenge
Originally slated for release on February 27, T
he Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond will now remain on hold for at least 15 days, pending further judicial review. The court ruled that the stay was necessary to prevent any immediate disruption of communal harmony while legal questions around certification are addressed.
Why CBFC’s Role Is Under Scrutiny
A petition was submitted to the Kerala High Court, alleging that the
CBFC granted certification without adequately applying its own guidelines, especially considering the film’s sensitive themes, including alleged forced conversions and terrorism-related narratives. The High Court agreed that there appeared to be prima facie lapses in the certification process.
The court also remarked that the teaser itself contained objectionable material, raising questions about how the full film passed censorship without deeper scrutiny.
The CBFC has now been asked to revisit the certification decision, and further hearings will determine whether the film can be released, modified, or face continued restrictions. Until then, the
fate of _The Kerala Story 2_ remains uncertain.
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