The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed an order by the West Bengal government that banned the release and screening of The Kerala Story film in the state.
Supreme Court takes on record the assurance of Tamil Nadu that there is no direct or indirect ban on the film ‘The Kerala Story’. Supreme Court directs adequate security should be provided in every cinema hall, and requisite arrangements shall be made to ensure the safety of moviegoers.
The Kerala Story”, starring Adah Sharma, was released in cinemas on May 5. Directed by Sudipto Sen, the film claims women from Kerala were forced to convert to Islam and recruited by the terror group Islamic State (IS). The West Bengal government, however, had banned the screening of the movie, citing that the law and order situation may deteriorate in the state.
The apex court also ruled that the state is duty-bound to maintain law and order. “Law can’t be used to put a premium on public intolerance; otherwise, all films will find themselves in this spot.