Supreme Court closes petitions against ‘The Kerala Story’

The Supreme Court of India has closed petitions challenging the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certificate for the 2023 film ‘The Kerala Story’. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant disposed of the cases, noting that approximately three years have passed since the film’s release and public viewing.

While the specific petitions against the film were closed, the Court kept open a broader legal question regarding the mechanism for challenging film certifications. The proceedings highlighted a legal gap: while producers have a statutory avenue to challenge CBFC decisions, there is currently no clear statutory remedy for members of the public who object to a film's content.

Petitioners had previously sought the cancellation of the film’s U/A certification, raising concerns regarding content and the potential for promoting hate speech. The Court's decision leaves the door open for future legal clarity on how and by whom a film’s certification can be contested.