‘Impugning other benches like this erodes the foundation of justice and could trigger contempt action,’ the judges declared. The petitioners—activist K.C. Chandramohan and advocate Mehnaz P. Mohammad—had demanded the film’s ban, slamming it for allegedly defaming Kerala by linking it to terror without proof.

Their petition highlighted the film’s portrayal of Muslim characters as stereotypical and hateful, failing to reflect real-life harmony. They called the title itself a blow to Kerala’s reputation and a breach of constitutional rights. Earlier, a single judge paused the release on February 26, only for an appellate bench to vacate it promptly on February 27, greenlighting theaters amid ongoing hearings.

What irked the court most was the PIL’s insinuation that the appeal was heard hastily, before the lower order was public. ‘You can’t sling mud at judges sans complete info,’ the Chief Justice shot back. While allowing appeals to higher courts, the bench insisted on respecting the judiciary’s honor.

The lawyers backtracked fast, tendering an unconditional apology and pledging to excise the offending lines. This clash spotlights ongoing debates around cinematic freedom versus regional sensitivities, with courts drawing a firm line against attacks on their own. As ‘The Kerala Story 2’ hits screens, the legal battle persists, testing balances between expression and decorum.