📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Shagil Kannur
Entertainment
Supreme Court Dismisses Petitions Against ‘The Kerala Story’ Film, Leaves Certification Review Pending
✍️ News18
🗓 22 Aug 2026, 12:36 PM
👁 5
The Supreme Court has rejected all petitions seeking a ban on the film ‘The Kerala Story’, while it has kept the question of the Central Board of Film Certification’s rating under review.
The Supreme Court has today closed every petition that demanded a ban on the movie "The Kerala Story". The petitions, filed by various groups, argued that the film violated legal provisions, but the court found no merit to halt its exhibition.
In its order, the apex court noted that the arguments presented did not satisfy the threshold for an interim injunction, and therefore the film may continue to be screened across the country.
However, the court chose not to settle the dispute over the film's certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). It has kept that aspect open for further consideration, signalling that a separate review on the rating or required cuts may still be undertaken.
Legal experts say the decision underscores the judiciary's cautious approach: while protecting freedom of expression, it also leaves room for regulatory scrutiny where content standards are concerned.
The ruling is expected to impact the film's release schedule, with distributors planning wider releases pending the outcome of the pending CBFC matter.
In its order, the apex court noted that the arguments presented did not satisfy the threshold for an interim injunction, and therefore the film may continue to be screened across the country.
However, the court chose not to settle the dispute over the film's certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). It has kept that aspect open for further consideration, signalling that a separate review on the rating or required cuts may still be undertaken.
Legal experts say the decision underscores the judiciary's cautious approach: while protecting freedom of expression, it also leaves room for regulatory scrutiny where content standards are concerned.
The ruling is expected to impact the film's release schedule, with distributors planning wider releases pending the outcome of the pending CBFC matter.