‘Why can’t it be released?’: SC asks West Bengal govt to explain ban on The Kerala Story

The Supreme Court on Friday asked the West Bengal government to explain the ban on the film 'The Kerala Story' in the state, asking "why it cannot be released" in the state.

"If a film can run in other parts of the country with a similar demographic profile to West Bengal, why can't it be released in the state?" asked a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud. The court notice comes on a petition by Sunshine Pictures Private Limited, which wants the West Bengal government's ban on 'The Kerala Story' exhibition lifted.

Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the film's producers, told the apex court, “We are seeking two reliefs, one against the West Bengal government, which banned the film, and the other against the Tamil Nadu government, where theater owners are being threatened. film exposure. In Tamil Nadu, all theaters have stopped screening the film due to the threats received."

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued for the ban on 'The Kerala Story' in West Bengal. "We have received overwhelming intelligence that there will be public order problems if the film is exhibited in the state," Singhvi told the apex court. The court adjourned hearing the case until next week.

This comes after Trinamool Congress (TMC)-led West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee earlier on Monday ordered an immediate ban on the screening of 'The Kerala Story' to prevent "any incident of hatred and violence" in the state.