In a stern rebuke, the Kerala High Court on Thursday pulled up petitioners in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the release of the film ‘The Kerala Story 2: Goz Beyond’. The division bench, led by Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V.M. Shyam Kumar, took strong exception to the petitioners’ comments questioning judicial decisions.
The court emphasized that accusing other benches or judges in such a manner undermines the judicial system and the dignity of the court. ‘This is a serious issue that could invite contempt proceedings,’ the bench warned, highlighting the gravity of impugning fellow judges without basis.
The PIL was filed by social activist and retired teacher K.C. Chandramohan and lawyer Mehnaz P. Mohammad. They sought a ban on the film’s release, alleging it portrays Kerala inaccurately as a hub of terrorism and extremism without evidence. The petitioners claimed the movie depicts over 150 Muslim characters in a negative, Islamophobic light, ignoring the peaceful lives of ordinary Muslim citizens.
They further objected to the title ‘The Kerala Story’, arguing it tarnishes the state’s image and violates citizens’ dignity under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The controversy began on February 26 when a single judge bench temporarily halted the release. Film producers swiftly appealed, and a division bench of Justices S.A. Dharmadhikari and P.V. Balakrishnan lifted the stay the next day, allowing screenings while the appeal remains pending.
The PIL questioned the speed of the appeal hearing, noting the single judge’s order wasn’t even uploaded on the court website. Chief Justice Sen rebuked this, stating accusations against judges without full facts are unacceptable. The court advised dissatisfied parties to appeal to the Supreme Court but stressed upholding judicial dignity is everyone’s duty.
Responding to the court’s ire, the petitioners’ counsel promptly apologized, assuring removal of the contentious portions from the plea. This episode underscores the fine line between legitimate critique and contempt in India’s vibrant judicial discourse, reminding all that courts guard their independence fiercely.