Latest news with #JusticeNNagaresh
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Kerala HC strikes down certain provisions in driving test circular
Kochi: High court has struck down certain major provisions in a circular issued by the transport commissioner in 2024, for conducting the driving licence test. The struck-down provisions included the requirement that only motorcycles with leg-gear selection and an engine capacity of more than 95 CC should be used for the test, and the prohibition on using automatic and electric vehicles for LMV driving test. Meanwhile, HC upheld certain other provisions prescribed for improving the quality of driving, such as the requirement that Part-2 Road Tests for motorcycles should be conducted on roads with traffic. The bench of Justice N Nagaresh issued the order in a batch of petitions filed by driving school employees and others, challenging the circular and the subsequent govt orders that introduced significant changes in the conduct of driving licence tests in the state. The petitioners primarily challenged the circular of Feb 21, 2024, and a govt order of May 4, 2024, contending that under Section 12 of the Motor Vehicles Act , the power to make rules relating to the licensing and regulation of schools or establishments for imparting instruction in driving motor vehicles vests with the central govt. HC examined the legal validity of each provision mandated in the circular and the subsequent govt order, resulting in the striking down of certain provisions. Further, HC clarified that the regulation of driving schools falls within the exclusive domain of the central govt, and that motor vehicles department officers are bound to act in accordance with the Motor Vehicles Act and the rules made thereunder. The state govt or transport commissioner cannot usurp the powers vested with the central govt in this regard.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kerala HC raps censor board over directive to remove name ‘Janaki' from movie
Kochi: Kerala high court on Friday orally questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) stand that the film 'JSK – Janaki v/s State of Kerala' could be certified only on the condition that the name Janaki is removed from the title. "What is the issue with the name Janaki," HC asked censor board. The bench of Justice N Nagaresh was considering a petition filed by Cosmos Entertainments, the film's producer, seeking a directive to CBFC to issue the censor certificate in a time-bound manner. During hearing, CBFC's counsel informed HC that the revising committee of the board had reviewed the film on Thursday and recommended changing the name of the lead character, Janaki, both in the title and in the dialogues wherever it occurs, a suggestion that drew sharp objection from the court. The counsel further clarified that, as per CBFC guidelines, visuals or words contemptuous of racial, religious, or other groups should not be presented. In response, the court asked how this guideline could apply to this film, noting that Janaki is a common name used everywhere. "How will it apply to a name that doesn't belong to any particular caste? We have films titled such as Seeta Aur Geeta. Janaki is Seeta. Nothing happened. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo No problem, and nobody has had any complaints. We have a film named Ram Lakhan. Nobody had complaints. How come there are some complaints for Janaki now," HC asked. The counsel replied that the film's narrative includes mature content, including sexual crimes against women and strong language, including derogatory terms. The court then asked whether this meant the film could be permitted with a different name in the title. She added that the revising committee had submitted its report to the CBFC chairman and that the petitioner would have to respond to a show cause notice served on them. However, the counsel for the petitioner, citing Rule 25 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983, which pertains to issuing certificates subject to the removal of certain portions of a film, contended that the Rules do not provide for the issuance of a show cause notice in such situations. Accordingly, HC directed that the CBFC submit the order issued by its chairman regarding the film 'JSK – Janaki v/s State of Kerala' by Monday and adjourned the petition to that day. Notably, Union minister of state for petroleum and natural gas, Suresh Gopi, stars in the movie, which falls within the courtroom drama genre.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
CBFC decision on movie ‘JSK' likely today
Kochi: Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has informed high court that the board chairman has referred the movie 'JSK – Janaki vs State of Kerala', starring Suresh Gopi, to a revising committee for certification under Rule 24 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983. The committee's meeting is scheduled for Thursday. Following this, the bench of Justice N Nagaresh adjourned to June 27 the petition filed by Cosmos Entertainments, the movie's production company, which is seeking a directive to the CBFC to issue a censor certificate for the film. HC also directed that the revising committee's decision shall be made known to the petitioner on the next posting date. The petitioner alleged that although the film was submitted for certification on June 12, the CBFC has neither issued the certificate nor raised any formal objections. Instead, the delay is allegedly due to informal and oral objections regarding the film's title and the character name 'Janaki,' despite the CBFC having already issued a censor certificate for the film's teaser. On Wednesday, the petitioner argued that the CBFC screening committee had viewed the film on June 18 and had given a positive recommendation. However, no further action has been taken since. The petitioner's counsel also pointed out that the film's release was scheduled for June 27, and the postponement would result in a loss of approximately Rs 80 lakh.
