The Kerala High Court on February 26, 2026, stayed the release of the film The Kerala Story 2 – Goes Beyond for 15 days, finding a prima facie lack of due application of mind by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) while granting certification.
The writ petitions challenge the UA 16+ certificate issued to the film and allege that its content, title, and promotional material portray the State of Kerala and a religious community in a derogatory manner, with the potential to disturb public order and communal harmony. The petitioners contended that the film carries the tag “inspired by true events” without authentic data and repeats themes from the earlier film that had already attracted judicial scrutiny.
The Court noted that screenshots from the teaser conceded by the Union to form part of the film contain dialogues and visuals such as references to organised religious conversions and the suggestion of enforcement of Sharia law across India. It observed that such material, even at a prima facie stage, falls within the mischief of Section 5B(1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, which mandates that films should not endanger public order, decency, or morality.
Holding that the petitions were maintainable as the petitioners had pleaded personal injury to their right to reputation, the Court directed the Union Government to decide the statutory revision petition under Section 6 of the Act within two weeks, after hearing all stakeholders. Until then, the release of the film has been restrained to prevent irreversible consequences and to ensure that the statutory remedy is not rendered infructuous. The matter has been posted for further consideration on March 12, 2026.
Appearances
For the Petitioner: M/s Sreerag Shylan, Ferha Azeez and Devananda S., Advocates.
For Respondents 1 & 2 (Union of India and CBFC): Smt. O.M. Shalina, Deputy Solicitor General of India, assisted by Sri K. Arjun Venugopal, Central Government Counsel.
For Respondent No. 3 (Producer): Sri S. Sreekumar, Senior Advocate, assisted by M/s A.C. Venugopal and Gautham Mohan, Advocates; and Sri Elvin Peter, Senior Advocate, assisted by Nithyaesh Natraj, Advocate.
