Frivolous, says Kerala HC dismissing director’s petition challenging State Film Awards

Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition filed by Malayalam filmmaker Lijeesh Mullezhath against the single Judge’s dismissal of his plea challenging the 53rd Kerala State Film State Awards.

The state film awards for the year 2022, were declared by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy on July 21.

Lijeesh, who directed Aakaashathinu Thazhe (2022), appealed to the court to set aside the declaration of Kerala State Awards For Malayalam Films & Writings On Cinema 2022 citing nepotism and bias on the part of the jury.

The director alleged that the declaration of the awards was vitiated on account of bias and nepotism exercised by Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Chairman Ranjith.

However, on 11 August, the Single Judge bench of Justice PV Kunhikrishnan observed that the petitioner lacked evidence to prove the allegations of nepotism and bias.

Also Read: Engineer-turned-Keralite Air Force officer Vineeth feted with Vayu Sena Medal

The court also observed that the petition need not be entertained based on the hearsay evidence stated by the petitioner and dismissed the plea terming it “frivolous.”

The division bench also noted that the petitioner's movie, 'Aakaashathinu Thazhe’ was not even selected by the preliminary jury of the Kerala State Award.

The director pointed out that similar allegations were also raised by Director Vinayan, who said that he had evidence against the jury members of the State Awards which can prove bias and nepotism on their part.

He had also urged the Court to direct the state government and the Kerala State Police Chief to conduct an inquiry and take action against film Director Ranjith Balakrishnan, who is the present chairperson of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy, however, the court dismissed the petition.

On Wednesday, the division bench noted: “We are of the opinion that the Single Judge has committed no error in making the decision. It is also pertinent to note, the film producer has not come forward with the claim made by the appellant. It is also pertinent to note the two members of the main jury have not filed the affidavit. Therefore, it is dismissed.”

Also Read: Catholics who oppose unified mass waylay Pope’s representative in Ernakulam