Kochi High Court Upholds Dismissal of Plea Seeking Cancellation of State Film Awards
Allegations of Nepotism and Interference In Judgement Met with Dismissal
Kochi: In a verdict that has sparked controversy, the division bench of the High Court upheld the decision of a single bench to dismiss a plea seeking the cancellation of this year’s state film awards. The plea was filed by Lijeesh Mullezhat, director of the film ‘Akasath Mulajeth’, who alleged nepotism in the judgement. Mullezhat further called for an investigation into the alleged interference of Film Academy Chairman, Ranjith, by the government and the DGP.
Chief Justice Ashish filed an appeal petition in response to Mullezhat’s claims. However, the division bench, comprised of Arun J. Desai and Justice VG, deemed the single bench’s decision to be fair.
Accusations of Interference
The petition stated that ‘Akasath Mulajeth’ and director Vinayan’s ‘Pathombathaam Sandhalam’ were submitted for consideration but were ultimately rejected for the award. Vinayan voiced his concerns to the government, providing evidence of Ranjith’s alleged interference in the jury’s decision-making process. Yet, no action was taken despite these claims. The single bench dismissed the petition, asserting that the allegations lacked concrete evidence and were primarily based on hearsay.
Moreover, the single bench noted that the producer who originally submitted the film failed to file a complaint, strengthening the notion that the allegations may have been unfounded. The division bench agreed with this assessment and subsequently dismissed the appeal.
This verdict raises questions about transparency and impartiality in the state film awards selection process. As the controversy continues to unfold, the film industry and its stakeholders eagerly await further developments.
Kochi: The division bench upheld the order of a single bench of the High Court dismissing the plea seeking cancellation of this year’s state film awards. Chief Justice Ashish has filed an appeal petition filed by the director of the film ‘Akasath Mulajeth’, Lijeesh Mullezhat, alleging that there is nepotism in the decision of the judgment and that the government and the DGP should be directed to investigate the interference of Film. Chairman of the Ranjith Academy. J. Desai, Justice VG Dismissed by a Division Bench comprising Arun.
It was stated in the petition that this film and director Vinayan’s ‘Pathombathaam Sandhalam’ were submitted but were rejected from the award. Katti Vinayan complained to the government with evidence that Ranjith had interfered in the jury’s decisions, but it was claimed that no action was taken. However, the Single Bench dismissed the petition stating that these allegations were based on hearsay only. Those who claim to have raised the complaint have not gone to court.
The single bench also noted that the producer who submitted the proposal for the award had not filed a complaint. The Division Bench decided that this was a correct assessment and dismissed the appeal.
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