Kochi: The Kerala High Court has refused to stay the screening of the film ‘Empuraan’, rejecting a plea filed by BJP leader V.V. Vijeesh, who sought a ban alleging that the movie contained anti-national and communal elements.
The court questioned the basis of the allegations, stating that artistic expression cannot be curbed without substantial evidence. The plea, which named the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Film Certification Board, and the Kerala DGP as respondents, argued that the film maligned national security agencies and could incite religious discord.
The court’s decision is a setback for the BJP leader, as it upheld the freedom of expression in cinema, dismissing the request for an immediate ban.
