Kerala court balances cinema violence and free expression

The Kerala High Court recently addressed the issue of violence in cinema and its impact on society. The court acknowledged that while films often glorify violence, it must balance this concern with the right to freedom of speech and expression. This discussion arose during a review of the K. Hema Committee report, which focuses on the working conditions of women in the film industry. During the hearing, lawyers for the Kerala Women’s Commission raised worries about the increasing portrayal of violence in films and its implications. The court emphasized the need to reflect on what society considers moral and immoral. It indicated that state intervention in these matters should be carefully considered. In response to complaints regarding investigations related to the Hema committee report, the court instructed that victims should not be forced to give statements to investigators. It stated that if legal authorities issue notices, a response through a lawyer is sufficient if individuals face difficulties. The court set the next hearing for the petitions on April 4.