The Kerala High Court recently granted permission for the Catholic Congress to officially intervene in a legal petition brought by the creators of the Malayalam film Haal. The filmmakers had approached the court, concerned by the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) revision committee, which has insisted on removing approximately half a dozen scenes from the movie, arguing these scenes are integral to the film’s central theme.
In its formal submission, the Catholic Congress asserted that the film unjustly portrays the Thamarassery bishop as an advocate of ‘love jihad.’ They contend that such a depiction is defamatory, deeply offends the religious sentiments of the Christian community, and could potentially disrupt social harmony. During the proceedings, the organization’s legal counsel proposed that the judge view the film firsthand to form an independent conclusion. Responding to this suggestion, the court indicated its willingness to watch the movie and has scheduled the next hearing for Tuesday.