Kerala High Court refuses to postpone airing of ‘The Kerala Story’ on Doordarshan
Kochi, Kerala. In a setback to leftist gang, the Kerala High Court on Friday refused to postpone the airing of the movie “The Kerala Story” on Doordarshan channel which is scheduled for 05th April.
Justice TR Ravi declined to pass any orders on the petition moved by poet, documentary film maker and editor of an online magazine, KG Suraj, seeking to postpone the airing of the movie until the 2024 Lok Sabha elections are over.
Noting that Suraj had already submitted representations in this regard before the Election Commission of India and to the concerned officials of Doordarshan on April 4, the Court said that the authorities ought to be been given more time to consider the representations.
‘The Kerala Story’ is a Hindi film about a group of women from Kerala who join the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Its release in theatres in 2023 was unsuccessfully challenged before various courts at the time.
The airing of the movie on Doordarshan has been controversial with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan posting a message condemning the same on X.
Suraj alleged that airing it on a channel owned by the Central government is an attempt by the ruling party to sow seeds of doubt and hatred in the minds of voters.
Suraj asserted that by using a state-owned channel to air the movie is a blatant violation of election rules.
Suraj sent representations to the ECI and Doordarshan officials immediately after the airing of the movie was announced on April 3 and subsequently moved the High Court as well.
The High Court refused to pass any orders but decided to consider the matter on April 11.
