Ram Lakhan okay, but not Janaki? Kerala High Court raps censor board over film row
The Kerala High Court on Friday questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over its objection to the use of the name 'Janaki' in the Malayalam film 'JSK – Janaki vs State of Kerala', starring Union Minister and BJP leader Suresh Gopi and actor Anupama Parameswaran.Hearing a petition filed by the film's production house, Cosmos Entertainment, over the delay in certification, Justice N Nagaresh pointed out that Indian cinema has a history of using mythological names without controversy.advertisement'We have a film named Seeta Aur Geeta. Janaki is Seeta. Nothing happened. No problem. Nobody has any complaint. We have a film named Ram Lakhan. Nobody has any complaint. Then how come for Janaki there is a complaint?' the judge asked the Deputy Solicitor General (DSGI) representing the CBFC.
The court's remarks came after the CBFC issued a show cause notice to the filmmakers, directing them to drop the name 'Janaki' from the film's title and dialogues.The CBFC argued that the use of the name 'Janaki', a name associated with Goddess Sita, in a film with such content could violate guideline 2 (xi) under Section 5B(2) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, which prohibits 'visuals or words contemptuous of racial, religious or other groups.'The film, dealing with mature content including sexual violence, was scheduled for release on June 27 but was held up due to the certification delay.advertisementThe court, however, questioned the rationale behind this objection and noted that the CBFC's Screening Committee had already cleared the film, but the Chairman referred it to the Revising Committee, which then raised the name-related issue.The production's counsel argued that as per the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983, the Revising Committee cannot issue a show cause notice. Its role is limited to suggesting cuts and granting certificates.Directing that the show cause notice be placed before the court on June 30, the judge told the filmmakers they are free to either respond to the notice or file an appeal.The production house said it submitted the film for certification on June 12 and completed screening on June 18. They claim that the delay, coupled with the sudden objection over the name, is causing financial losses and violates their constitutional rights under Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech) and 19(1)(g) (right to practice any profession).- EndsMust Watch
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