As reported by media, the Bench comprising of Shaji P. Chaly, J. allowed the screening of documentary “Reason” by Anand Patwardhan at the International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala.
The decision has overruled Centre’s objections to the screening at the International Documentary and Short Film Festival.
Reason to deny the screening by Centre:
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting denied permission for the documentary – which looks into the murders of Narendra Dabholkar and Govind Pansare, among others to be screened at the festival. Ministry stated that the screening could cause a “law and order issue”.
Petitioners had moved the High Court after the Central Government turned down the request for exemption from certification under Section 9 of the Cinematograph Act.
High Court made it clear that the academy and the film-makers had not been granted permission to screen the film at any other place without the certification or consent of the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
[Source: The Wire]