Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Tuesday observed that the portrayal of violence in visual media can have an "undesirable effect on people" and that determining the extent to which it can be depicted must consider the right to freedom of speech and expression.
The division bench, comprising Justice A. K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice C. S. Sudha, made the oral observation while hearing matters related to sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry following the publication of the Hema Committee report.
Following the report’s release, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to probe complaints from alleged victims. Addressing the issue of violence in media, the court stated, “Violence in visual media can have an undesirable effect on people because you glorify this violence. On the other hand, you have the freedom of speech and expression. So to what extent will you go? It will again depend on what is public morality, what is constitutional morality. These are all areas which you cannot gloss over. You need to see the development of the law and what society considers to be immoral or moral. So is glorifying of violence desirable or is it just them telling us that this is what is happening in society today?”
The court further clarified that if a victim unwilling to be involved in criminal proceedings receives a notice from the SIT, they can inform the authorities of their decision not to pursue the case. It emphasized that any notice from a legal authority warrants a response, stating, “Any notice issued by any legal authority; the basic courtesy expected of a citizenry is to reply to it. They need not appear in person if they have some difficulty; it can be through counsel.”
Additionally, the court noted that if anyone feels compelled by the SIT, they can approach the court for relief.
The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on April 4.
With IANS inputs