Kerala High Court Rebukes Petitioners for Casting Aspersions on Judges in 'The Kerala Story 2' PIL
The Kerala High Court on Thursday strongly criticized the petitioners in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the use of the word 'Kerala' in the title of the movie 'The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond'. The court took exception to certain submissions in the PIL that cast aspersions on the judges of a division bench, which had earlier lifted a stay on the film's release.
Controversial Submissions Flagged by Bench
A bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V M Syam Kumar flagged the controversial paragraphs in the PIL filed by Chandramohan K C, a retired schoolteacher, along with Adv Mehnaz P Mohammed. The bench suggested that a fresh petition be filed after removing the contentious sections that questioned the integrity and conduct of the judges.
The petitioners had alleged in their PIL that a film portraying the story of three victims of forced religious conversion, with a title containing the word 'Kerala', would create enmity against the Muslim community in the state. They also raised concerns about the manner in which the division bench considered, on the same day, the appeal challenging the single bench's stay order on the movie's release and subsequently granted permission for its exhibition.
Court's Stern Oral Observations
Noting these submissions, the High Court orally criticized the petitioners for casting aspersions against the judges. The bench emphasized that if the petitioners were aggrieved by the decision, they had the option to approach the Supreme Court for redressal.
The bench made a poignant observation, stating that while judges may come and go, the institution of the judiciary must be respected and upheld at all times. It further cautioned the petitioners against attacking judges or benches, warning that such conduct would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Potential Contempt of Court Implications
The High Court also pointed out that the petitioners had made the controversial submissions without fully understanding the circumstances under which the matter was taken up by the division bench. It noted that such remarks could potentially attract action for contempt of court, highlighting the seriousness of the issue.
In response to the court's observations, the petitioners expressed their willingness to remove the contentious paragraphs from their petition. Accordingly, the High Court allowed them to file a fresh petition after excising the objectionable content.
Background of the Case
The PIL was filed challenging the use of 'Kerala' in the movie title, arguing it could incite communal tensions. The division bench had earlier lifted a stay on the film's release, which prompted the petitioners to question the judicial process in their submissions.
This incident underscores the judiciary's commitment to maintaining decorum and respect for its institutions, while also ensuring that legal avenues remain open for genuine grievances, provided they are framed appropriately and without personal attacks on judicial officers.
