In a courtroom that was unusually crowded for a Friday morning, Justice V.G. Arun of the Kerala High Court allowed the Catholic Congress to join the ongoing case against the film Haal, starring Shane Nigam. The film, already tangled in controversy, had been granted an “A” certificate by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The makers of the movie had challenged that decision, calling it unfair and “morally restrictive.”
The hearing took several turns before the judge finally nodded, permitting the Catholic Congress to be impleaded. Their lawyer’s submission that the Church group had no malicious intent, only concern for faith and public peace seemed to ease the bench’s hesitation. The Court said it would meet again on October 21 to decide when the judge himself might watch the film.
The Catholic Congress, in its affidavit, came down heavily on the filmmakers. It claimed that Haal “promotes the dangerous narrative of Love Jihad” and even portrays a Bishop from Thamarassery as endorsing such relationships. It also said parts of the movie were shot in the Bishop’s house without proper consent, which, according to them, could “defame the Diocese and disturb communal harmony.”
The filmmakers, however, defended their work with quiet conviction. Their counsel described the Bishop’s scene differently — as one of hope and tolerance.
"The Bishop tells the couple to stay true to their own religions and still live together," he explained to the Court. "That's the best message possible in our times."
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Justice Arun listened carefully before remarking, almost casually, "I’m ready and willing to watch the film myself." The courtroom murmured with approval. The judge added that he would post the matter on Tuesday, "only to decide who all should be present when the movie is screened."
There was a brief discussion about how the case should even be heard - whether as a writ petition or under a special appeal category. The judge pointed out that the law under Section 5C of the Cinematograph Act doesn’t clearly define such an appeal.
"There's no nomenclature for it," he said. "Maybe we should call it MFA (Cinematograph Act), but as of now, it stays a writ."
For now, the Court's direction is simple: the Catholic Congress is officially part of the case, and the next hearing will decide if the film is to be shown to the judge.
