The Kerala Story Row: SC To Hear Plea Against HC Order Refusing To Stay Film's Release

AMID ongoing controversy over 'The Kerala Story', the Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear a plea on May 15 against the interim order of the Kerala High Court which refused to stay the release of the film. 

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal mentioned the matter before a bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha for the early listing of the plea.

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When the bench asked Advocate whether the high court has passed an order in the matter, Sibal said it has refused to stay the release of the film. "We will keep it on Monday (May 15)," the bench said in response. 

On May 5, a division bench of the Kerala High Court comprising Justice N. Nagaresh and Justice Sophy Thomas refused to stay the release of the film.

"Nothing will happen just because the film is screened. The teaser of the film was released in November. What was offensive in the film? What is wrong in saying that Allah is the only God? The country gives citizens the right to believe in their religion and God and spread it. What was offensive in the trailer?" the court observed while hearing the batch of petitions seeking to cancel the film's censor certificate.

Following the controversy that sparked after the film got released, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday announced that the state government has decided to ban the movie. 

The chief minister said the decision has been taken to avoid any incident of hatred and violence and to maintain peace in the state. While the Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday announced that 'The Kerala Story' will be declared tax-free in the state. 

Despite the controversies, Adah Sharma-starrer film has successfully attracted the audience to theatres and has been performing well at the box office.