Kerala HC to watch ‘Janaki v/s State of Kerala’ amid CBFC objection over title, Next hearing on THIS date

The Kerala High Court has stepped in to review the Malayalam film 'Janaki v/s State of Kerala' (JSK) after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) raised objections over the film’s title. The CBFC claimed that the name "Janaki"—also a name for the Hindu goddess Sita—was inappropriate for a film dealing with sexual assault.As per Bar and Bench website, the court, however, questioned this reasoning and has now decided to personally watch the film on Saturday, July 5, before proceeding with the next hearing on July 9.Court calls out CBFC’s religious sensitivity claimJustice N Nagaresh, who is hearing the case, had earlier dismissed CBFC’s argument that the title could hurt religious sentiments. The court observed that many Indian names have religious associations, and pointed out that numerous films have previously used names of gods and goddesses without controversy.The High Court emphasized that objecting to the name "Janaki" only because it is also associated with a deity was not a valid ground to block the film’s release. Especially when the CBFC had earlier cleared the teaser without objections.

Delay in certification sparks protests and legal battleAccording to the reports, the producers of the film, M/s Cosmos Entertainments, approached the High Court after CBFC failed to grant a censor certificate despite the application being submitted on June 12.

As per the production team, the delay is causing serious financial losses and violates the fundamental right to freedom of expression under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(g) of the Constitution.In the meantime, members of the Malayalam film industry have protested in front of the CBFC office in Thiruvananthapuram, calling the delay and objections arbitrary and stifling to artistic freedom.Suresh Gopi plays key role, yet to respond'Janaki v/s State of Kerala' stars Union Minister and actor Suresh Gopi as a lawyer defending the rape survivor, Janaki. Interestingly, Gopi has yet to issue a public statement on the controversy. The film was originally scheduled for a June 27 worldwide release, which has now been put on hold due to the CBFC's refusal to certify the film.As the legal and cultural debate unfolds, all eyes are on the High Court’s private screening and its next verdict on July 9.