'Won't allow defamatory film reviews'; Kerala HC instructs police to register case

KOCHI: The High Court on Tuesday said it will not allow the dignity and reputation of the film industry to be destroyed through defamatory reviews under the guise of freedom of expression. Justice Devan Ramachandran also suggested that the DGP should ensure that police take action against anonymous posts circulating on social media in the name of movie reviews.

The proposal is based on the petitions filed by Mubeen Rauf, the director of the film 'Aromalinte Adhya Pranayam, and the Kerala Film Producers Association, seeking to control online reviews that are destroying movies. The case has been adjourned for November 21 after the central government said it would respond within two weeks’ time.

While considering the petition, the High Court verbally asked why none of the movie critics approached the court with a reply.

“ Such carefree attitude comes from the realization that no guidelines or rules could stop them from doing this defamatory act,” said the court.

They are not authorized media persons or registered service providers. Reviews are meant to inform and educate, not to tear down and destroy. It was also suggested that the police should understand this and take action. The amicus curiae stated that after the court's intervention, malicious movie reviews have decreased. The government lawyer also explained that the police are taking action on the complaints as per the court-ordered protocol.

The government informed about monitoring anonymous posts circulating on social media related to movies. The petitioners said that it will be only the central government that can take effective action in this regard.