Kerala High Court Questions CBFC Over Objection to Name ‘Janaki’ in Upcoming Film
The Kerala High Court has strongly questioned the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for objecting to the use of the name ‘Janaki’ in the upcoming Malayalam film JSK – Janaki vs State of Kerala, starring Union Minister Suresh Gopi and actor Anupama Parameswaran.
During a hearing on Friday, Justice N Nagaresh asked why mythological names like ‘Seeta’ and ‘Ram’ had not faced similar scrutiny in Indian cinema. “We have films like Seeta Aur Geeta and Ram Lakhan. Nobody raised objections. Why now with Janaki?” the court questioned the Deputy Solicitor General.
The CBFC had issued a show cause notice to the filmmakers, claiming that using ‘Janaki’—a name associated with Goddess Sita—in a film dealing with mature themes may violate Section 5B(2) of the Cinematograph Act.
Cosmos Entertainment, the film’s production house, challenged the delay and sudden objection, calling it a violation of their constitutional rights to free expression and profession (Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(g)).
The court noted that the CBFC Screening Committee had already cleared the film, but the Chairman’s referral to the Revising Committee caused the issue. The court also observed that the Revising Committee has no power to issue a show cause notice, only to suggest cuts or issue certificates.
The judge directed the CBFC to present the notice in court on June 30, allowing filmmakers to respond or appeal. The delay has already impacted the planned June 27 release.
