Supreme Court Stays West Bengal Govt Ban on ‘The Kerala Story’ Screening

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the May 8 order by the West Bengal government putting a ban on the screening of ‘The Kerala Story’ in the state.

Passing on the order the Supreme Court remarked that West Bengal is duty-bound to maintain law and order. “Law cannot be used to put a premium on public intolerance, otherwise all films will land in the same spot,” the apex court noted. Supreme Court asked Centre that there should be a proper disclaimer in the film ‘The Kerala Story.’ The disclaimer shall be added by 5 pm on May 20, says senior counsel Salve appearing for film producers.

The order came days after the makers of ‘The Kerala Story’ approached the Supreme Court, seeking the removal of a ban on the film in West Bengal. Earlier, a notice was issued by the Supreme Court to the West Bengal government on a plea filed by producers of the movie regarding the ban.

On May 12, a bench consisting of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha questioned the West Bengal government’s decision to impose the ban, stating that if people don’t like the movie, they won’t watch it. The bench also asked the Tamil Nadu government to provide adequate security to theatres screening the film.