A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court on Monday reserved its verdict on appeals that challenged a single judge’s decision that had set aside the A certificate that the CBFC had issued to the Malayalam film Haal.
Apart from the CBFC, the Centre and the Catholic Congress too had filed appeals on the matter. During the hearing, the Catholic Congress submitted that the film had scenes that depicted forceful religious conversion. It misrepresented inter-faith relationships, while also portraying the Thamarassery bishop as a supporter of such marriages, although his known stance is otherwise.
The organisation had said that this is defamatory, hurt religious sentiments of the community, and could disturb peace in society. It also objected to filming of the Bishop’s House from outside without seeking consent.
The CBFC’s revision committee had earlier this year suggested the removal of half a dozen scenes in the film, including one that showed the consumption of beef biriyani, and another that portrayed the police in bad light.
The film was scheduled to be released on September 12. The Single Bench and subsequently the Division Bench had watched the film, in the wake of multiple petitions being filed before the HC, including by makers of the film.
Published – December 08, 2025 08:52 pm IST
