Kochi: With the Catholic Congress continuing to oppose the release of Shane Nigam starring 'Haal', the Kerala High Court on Saturday decided to watch the film. The Division Bench of Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice PV Balakrishnan issued the direction while hearing a writ appeal filed by the Catholic Congress against a single judge order that had quashed the A-certificate and cuts to the move directed by Veera.

In the petition, the Catholic Congress argued that the film portrays the Bishop of Thamarassery as supporting inter-faith marriages, which it says is contrary to his known public stance. It also objected to scenes shot outside the Bishop’s residence and sought restoration of three cuts ordered earlier by the CBFC.

During the hearing, the Bench warned that exemplary costs would be imposed if the movie was found to contain no objectionable material as alleged by the petitioners. The single judge had already viewed the film last month before ruling in favour of the filmmakers.

“But if we find that there is nothing in it, we will impose costs. Why should we disbelieve the single judge? Since this is an appeal, we are obliged to watch it. Otherwise, there was no need at all,” the Bench observed orally.

The Court directed the appellant’s counsel to file a memo specifying the exact timestamps of the scenes they object to.

In an interim order, the Bench said: “This matter was heard yesterday. However, while dictating the order, we are of the opinion that unless we see the movie, the matter cannot be decided. Therefore, the learned counsel for the first respondent is requested to arrange the screening on Wednesday, December 3, after 7 pm.” The Court also directed that the film, along with English subtitles, be screened in the presence of counsel from both sides.

“I’ll be seeing my first Malayalam movie. Chalo, it will be a good experience,” Justice Dharmadhikari remarked in a lighter vein.

The case will be taken up again on December 4 after the screening.

Advocates Mariya Rajan, Shinu J Pillai, S Suja, Ann Mariya John and Felix Samson Varghese appeared for the Catholic Congress. Senior counsel Joseph Kodianthara and advocates John Vithayathil and ES Saneej represented JVJ Productions, the makers of ‘Haal’.
(With Live Law inputs)