Kochi Dec 12, 2025

In a significant ruling reinforcing artistic freedom, the Kerala High Court on Friday dismissed appeals filed by the Union Government and the Catholic Congress challenging its single judge’s order that had quashed the A-certificate and six mandated cuts for the Malayalam film “Haal”.

A division bench of Justice Arvind Sushrut Dharmadhikari and Justice P.V. Balakrishnan delivered the verdict.

The Catholic Congress had argued in its appeal that the film portrayed the Bishop of Thamarassery in a manner inconsistent with his publicly stated opposition to interfaith marriages.

It also contended that the film functioned as “propaganda” aimed at downplaying concerns around so-called “Love Jihad.”

The single judge’s bench, however, had earlier held that the depiction fell w

See Full Page