Kerala HC Judge Recuses From Hearing Plea Against ‘The Kerala Story 2’

A judge of the Kerala High Court on Monday recused himself from hearing a petition challenging the certification granted to the film ‘The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’ , while observing that the matter appeared to have become infructuous in view of subsequent developments.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas stepped aside from the case when a petition filed by Yohan George came up for consideration. The petitioner had challenged the certification granted to the film and sought directions to remove the word “Kerala” from its title.

During the hearing, the court orally observed that the plea had effectively lost its relevance following the film's release and the legal proceedings that had already taken place. Justice Thomas noted that he had earlier heard two other petitions seeking similar reliefs concerning the film and had already expressed views on the issues involved. Citing his prior involvement, he decided to recuse himself from hearing the matter further.

The petition also raised concerns over the film's content and title, alleging that they could adversely affect communal harmony and the image of the state. It reportedly sought action under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) dealing with promotion of enmity and acts prejudicial to national integration and social harmony.

The film has been at the centre of a prolonged legal battle since February. Earlier this year, a single bench of the Kerala High Court had granted an interim stay on its release , directing a re-examination of issues raised against the movie.

However, the order was subsequently stayed by a division bench , which cleared the way for the film's theatrical release. More recently, a division bench reportedly dismissed related appeals as infructuous while leaving open broader legal questions regarding challenges to film certification by private individuals.

With Justice Thomas recusing himself, the petition is expected to be placed before another bench of the High Court for further consideration.