The dispute over CBFC is demanding a change in the name of Suresh Gopi-starrer JSK: Kerala’s Janak vs. State has so far taken another turn, the Kerala High Court said it will watch the film on Saturday.
After CBFC demanded a change in the title as well as a change in the name of the hero, on the basis that Janaki is also a name for Goddess Sita, the makers contacted HC on the delay in giving a certificate to the film, which should have hit the screen on 27 June.
On Wednesday, hearing arguments, a bench of Justice N. Nagresh said that the court would watch the film on Saturday and consider the case on Tuesday.
On Monday, hearing the case, the judge on July 2 directed India’s Deputy Solicitor General (DSGI), who appeared for CBFC to submit an affidavit, details the reasons for not issuing a screening certificate to the film. On Wednesday, CBFC sought more time to file an affidavit.
Earlier, the central government had told the court that the name of the film refers to Goddess Sita, and petitioners may use a neutral name instead. The CBFC also presented that the title violates the guidelines issued by the Central Government, which conforms to Section 5B (2) of the Cinematograph Act, which is related to certifying films.
At this stage, the court asked, “Now you will instruct the directors and artists what names they should use and what stories they should tell. What is wrong with people? How is it contempt towards a religion? … It is the freedom of artists.”
When the petitioner said that the film is about the fight to survive a rape and the name of the hero, the court said, “Janaki is not a rapist. If a rapist is named as Ram, Krishna, Janaki, I can understand. The heroine is fighting for justice, what is the problem with that name?”
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Rajya Sabha MP and Advocate Haris Birn, who appeared for the producers, said the teaser of the film has been certified by CBFC. The teaser was released three months ago, and till now, no complaint was related to the title, he said.
“Has anyone complained about the name Janaki? Whose feelings have been hurt? Has anyone really raised objections?” The judge asked.
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