PAZHASSI RAJA CHARITABLE TRUST Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) We have heard the learned counsel for the petitioner, Mr. Krishnan Venugopal, Sr. Adv. and the counsel for the respondent Union of India, Mr. Ashok Bhan.

(2.) This matter was mentioned yesterday when the Court directed it to be listed today as Item No.1. The petitioner claims to have produced a Malyalam film of national importance, called "PAZHASSI RAJA". Its purpose is to enlighten people about the heroic life history of "SHRI KERALA VERMA PAZHASSI RAJA". For wider circulation the film has been dubbed into Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and English. It is said to have been widely acclaimed. The petitioner claims that in spite of the artistic and historic importance of the film, it has been arbitrarily not accepted for screening at the International Film Festival of India - 2009. Aggrieved against the wholly arbitrary conduct and actions of the selectors at the Film Festival, the petitioner has unsuccessfully approached the Kerala, as well, Delhi High Court.

(3.) Learned counsel submitted that the Learned Single Judge of the Delhi High Court misdirected itself in not granting the interim relief. In view of the fact that the film festival was coming to an end on 3rd December 2009, in the absence of interim relief, the petitioner will be left remedy-less. Learned counsel submitted that the Learned Single Judge failed to address any of the issues alleged in the writ petition. In view of the fact that there had been a flagrant disregard of a mandatory regulation, viz., the Regulation 8.2 of the Indian Panorama Regulation, 2009, grant of interim relief would be a natural consequence.