KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Tuesday ruled that 'S Durga' must be screened at the ongoing 48th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, in a setback to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, which vetoed the film after the jury selected the critically acclaimed movie directed by Sanal Kumar Sasidharan.
While allowing the petition filed by director Sasidharan, the court observed that the writ petition is "maintainable" and directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Directorate of Film Festivals to exhibit certified version 'S Durga' at IFFI, which will conclude on November 28.
Sasidharan contended that despite the selection of his film by the jury constituted as per Indian Panorama Regulations, Information and Broadcasting Ministry refused to include the film in the festival. In fact, the ministry took the decision without issuing any notice to him and without giving any reason.
He pointed out that the film had received several accolades from film critics and artists and won many international awards such as Hivos Tiger Award 2017. It was screened in several international film festivals including the festival of Rotterdam and Golden Apricot Yeravan Film Festival held in Armenia. He also pointed out that Chairman of the jury Sujoy Ghosh has resigned as the jury head, reportedly in protest against the union ministry's arbitrary exclusion of his movie, overruling the jury's decision.
Opposing the plea, the union government contended that a film not certified by CBFC may only be screened in a film festival after obtaining an exemption from the provision of certification from the ministry.
The film was refused exemption on earlier occasions as well in a case of other film festivals as the ministry was receiving several grievances against its title. The decision was taken apprehending that it may affect the law and order as it hurts the religious sentiments, Durga being a principal Hindu goddess.
The centre government also argued that the petition is not maintainable. But the court declined to accept it.