Feb 27 • 10:57 UTC 🇮🇳 India Aaj Tak (Hindi)

'The Kerala Story 2' Ban Lifted, High Court Delivers Ruling

The Kerala High Court has lifted the interim ban on the film 'The Kerala Story 2', allowing it to be released in theaters.

In a significant development for the film 'The Kerala Story 2', the Kerala High Court has removed the interim ban that had previously halted its release. The decision was made by a division bench after carefully considering the arguments from all concerned parties regarding the film's content and its potential impact on communal harmony in the state. This ruling clears the way for the film to be shown in theaters, much to the relief of its makers.

Prior to this, a single judge's bench had imposed a 15-day stay on the film's release, expressing concern over the representation of Kerala in the movie and the possible rise in communal tensions that it could provoke. The judge's order was based on two petitions challenging the film's narrative and its implications for social cohesion within the community. However, the division bench found sufficient grounds to lift the stay, emphasizing the need for artistic expression while considering public sentiments.

The case gained traction after Justice Thomas, on February 26, imposed the initial restriction and prompted an investigation by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Following a special weekend sitting to hear the producers' appeal, the High Court recognized the importance of allowing the film to be released while also acknowledging the need for ongoing discussions about the challenges posed by sensitive content in cinema. This ruling sets a precedent for handling similar cases in the future, balancing censorship with freedom of speech.

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