Controversial movie ‘The Kerala Story’: Supreme Court to hear filmmaker’s plea against the ban of film in West Bengal on May 12

Today, Senior Advocate Harish Salve mentioned the matter related to the ban of the controversial movie ‘The Kerala Story’ in West Bengal before the Supreme Court. The petition was filed by the filmmakers against the West Bengal's decision to ban the movie in the state. The bench consisting of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha agreed to hear the matter on May 12, 2023. Earlier on May 09, the bench posted the matter, related to the petition against the refusal of the High Court of Kerala to stay the exhibition of the film, for hearing on May 15. Advocate requested the bench to urgently list the matter for an earlier date, as the makers are losing money due to the ban. Also, he mentioned that another state (Tamil Nadu) is moving to ban the movie; thus, CJI Chandrachud agreed to post the matter for hearing on 12 May. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee announced the decision to ban the movie within the state on May 8 so as “to avoid any incident of hatred and violence, and to maintain peace in the state” by invoking powers under Section 6(1) of the West Bengal Cinemas (Regulation) Act, 1954.