Supreme Court refuses to hear plea seeking stay on release of film The Kerala Story

The Supreme Court on May 2 declined to entertain a plea seeking a stay on the release of the film The Kerala Story on the grounds that it was “hate speech of the worst kind” and “audio-visual propaganda”. Justice K.M. Joseph and B.V. Nagaratna was told by senior advocate Kapil Sibal and advocate Nizam Pasha that the trailer of the film, which released on May 5, has been viewed 16 million times. Pasha said, “The film is hate speech of the worst kind. It is pure audio-visual propaganda.”

The bench said, “There are many types of hate speech. The film has got the certification and the board has cleared it. It is not like someone gets on the stage and starts making rampant speeches. If you wish to challenge the release of the film, you must challenge the certification and through the appropriate forum.

Justice Nagaratna said that the petitioner should first approach the High Court. Pasha said that there is no time left as the film is scheduled to release on May 5. the bench said This is not a field. Otherwise everyone will start coming to the Supreme Court. Pasha said that is why he has filed an intervention application in the hate speech case.

Justice Joseph said that even though he may not be advising the petitioner, there is a need to file a concrete writ petition seeking appropriate remedies.

The Hindi film is based on the theme of religious conversion.

Plea seeking ban on the film ‘The Kerala Story’ mentioned before the Supreme Court saying it promotes hate speech. The Supreme Court refuses to hear the plea immediately. pic.twitter.com/t3OnAyCNPE

— ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2023