Kochi : The high court on Monday declined to pass any interim order on a petition filed by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy challenging the Union ministry of information and broadcasting’s decision to withhold permission for screening seven documentaries at the International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK).
The festival began on Sept 25 and is scheduled to conclude on Sept 30, according to the academy. Of the 346 documentaries submitted for screening, 339 have already been permitted to be screened. The ASG further clarified that 347 films were initially listed for the festival, but one was subsequently withdrawn. Of the remaining 346 documentaries, 315 had been permitted to be screened, while another 24 had obtained CBFC certification, taking the total number cleared for screening to 339. Taking note of the ASG’s submissions, the bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas remarked that, prima facie, there was no arbitrariness or unreasonableness in withholding permission to screen seven of the 346 documentaries. The bench directed the ministry to file a statement in the meantime and adjourned the matter to Nov 13.
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news. The academy approached the HC stating that despite furnishing the additional screeners and materials sought by the ministry, no clear decision, supported by reasons, had been taken on the remaining seven documentaries. Meanwhile, the additional solicitor general, appearing for the ministry, submitted that six of the seven documentaries had been referred to the ministry of home affairs for its inputs on their content, while the remaining one had been referred to the ministry of external affairs for a similar purpose. Download the TOI App.