Stay on 'The Kerala Story 2' release continues; division bench reserves order, decision on Friday

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court Division Bench has reserved its order on an appeal filed against the single bench decision that stayed the release of the controversial film 'The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond.' The bench heard arguments late into the night before reserving the verdict. The order is expected to be issued on Friday.

Earlier on Thursday, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas of the single bench had halted the film's release just hours before its release on Friday. Following this, the producers filed an urgent appeal. The Division Bench, comprising Justices Sushrut A. Dharmadhikari and P. V. Balakrishnan, heard the appeal for nearly two hours before reserving the order.

The film reportedly deals with the theme of forced religious conversion and the alleged exploitation of young women from different states for extremist activities. The stay was issued based on a petition filed by Kannur natives Sreedev Namboothiri and Atul Roy, who challenged the certification and screening permission granted to the film.

Senior advocate Neeraj Kishan Kaul and advocate Elvin Peter appeared for the producers. Appearing for the petitioners, advocate Maitreyi Sachidanand Hegde argued that the film’s portrayal of Kerala in a negative manner personally affects the petitioners.