The Kerala High Court raised concerns over a petition seeking to halt the release of the Malayalam movie “Kaalam Paranja Katha,” linked to the Venjaramoodu mass murder case. The petitioner, father of the accused, argued that the film’s release could impact his son’s right to a fair trial. However, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas expressed reluctance to prevent the movie’s release, questioning how a film could influence a criminal trial overseen by a judge relying solely on court evidence.
The court queried the petitioner’s assertion of a direct connection between the movie and the murder case, emphasizing that the plea was last-minute and the film had already been certified by the Censor Board. Despite arguments that the movie’s narrative might sway witnesses, the court found it challenging to accept this claim, noting the absence of evidence indicating potential witness influence or trial prejudice. Justice Thomas highlighted that media coverage of criminal cases has not been restricted to ensure fair trials, emphasizing that cinema, as an art form, does not inherently obstruct justice even if inspired by real events.
Referring to a previous plea by an accused in the cyanide murder case to halt a web series release, which was also dismissed, the court favored the filmmakers in the current case. It declined to issue any interim orders, scheduling further hearings for February 5. The Venjaramoodu mass murder case involves the alleged killing of five family members and the accused’s mother’s attempted murder, with the accused facing trial at the Principal Sessions Court in Thiruvananthapuram.
