Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas made the observation while considering three petitions which sought the cancellation of the certificate granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on the ground that the movie misrepresents the State of Kerala and might incite communal disharmony.
As the Court's sitting hours ended for the day, Senior Advocate S Sreekumar told the Court that the movie is slated for release this Friday, February 27 and that its overseas rights have already been sold for distribution.
The judge said that he will hear all parties and the film's release may be put on hold till the hearing is complete.
"Then you can stall it right now. If you are putting the Court into a corner then I will state until we complete the hearing...I will give you enough and more time, you can argue but don't release it till the arguments are over...I will take up the matter tomorrow but I don't want them (petitioners) to come back tomorrow and say that you have already given the rights….without concluding the arguments; I can’t. Don’t make the entire issue infructuous…let them not give out the right or anything before the Court takes decision. The apprehension expressed by the petitioners is probably genuine, so once they release the rights tomorrow, then what is the point?" Justice Thomas orally remarked.
Loading page, please wait…