The controversy over the CBFC demanding a change in the name of the Suresh Gopi-starrer JSK: Janaki vs State of Kerala has taken yet another turn, with the Kerala High Court saying it will watch the movie on Saturday.
After the CBFC demanded a change in the title as well as the name of the protagonist, on the ground that Janaki is also a name for goddess Sita, the producers had approached the HC over the delay in granting a certificate to the film, which should have hit screens on June 27.
On Wednesday, while hearing the arguments, the Bench of Justice N Nagaresh said the court will watch the movie on Saturday and consider the matter on Tuesday.
On Monday, while hearing the matter, the judge had directed the Deputy Solicitor General of India (DSGI), O M Shalina, who appeared for the CBFC, to submit an affidavit on July 2, detailing the reasons for not issuing the screening certificate to the film. On Wednesday, the CBFC sought more time to file the affidavit.
Earlier, the Union Government had told the court that the film’s name refers to the goddess Sita, and the petitioners can use a neutral name instead. The CBFC also submitted that the title violates guidelines issued by the Union Government in conformity with Section 5B(2) of the Cinematograph Act, which deals with certifying films.
At this stage, the court had asked, “Now you will dictate to directors and artists which names they should use and which stories they should tell. What is wrong with Janaki? How is it contemptuous of a religion? … That is the freedom of artists.’’
When the petitioner said the film is about the fight of a rape survivor and Janaki is the name of the protagonist, the court noted, “Janaki is not a rapist. If a rapist is named as Rama, Krishna, Janaki, then I can understand. The heroine is fighting for justice, what is the problem with that name?’’
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Rajya Sabha MP and advocate Haris Beeran, who appeared for the producers, said the film’s teaser has been certified by the CBFC. The teaser was released three months ago, and so far, no complaints had emerged related to the title, he pointed out.
“Has anyone complained about the name Janaki? Whose sentiments are being hurt? Has anyone actually raised an objection?” the judge asked.
