High Court Rejects Plea to Cancel Kerala State Film Awards, Citing Lack of Evidence for Interference

The High Court has dismissed a petition aimed at revoking this year’s Kerala State Film Awards, stating that there is no evidence to support claims of interference by Ranjith, the chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, in the award selection process. The petition was submitted by director Lijeesh Mullezhath, who alleged that Ranjith had meddled in the awards determination, leading to the neglect of deserving individuals. The petitioner also called for Ranjith’s removal from the Chalachitra Academy chairmanship. Previously, the court had requested an explanation from the government regarding the petition. Director Vinayan had previously accused Ranjith of intervening to prevent his film ‘Pathonpatham Nootandu’ from receiving any awards.