The Kerala Story: SC seeks response of TN, Bengal govts

One-liner: The SC on Friday sought replies of the West Bengal and Tamil Nadu govts on a plea of the producers of The Kerala Story that the movie is not being shown in theatres in these two states.

Withdrawn for security reasons: While West Bengal has banned the movie after three days of its screening in theatres, Tamil Nadu has not banned the film but the exhibitors have withdrawn from cinema halls owing to security concerns.

No reason for ban: A bench questioned the West Bengal govt saying the film is being screened in the rest of the country without any problem and there appears to be no reason for the ban.

What the bench said: "Movie is running in the rest of the country, including in states having similar demographic composition and nothing has happened. This has nothing to do with the artistic value of the film. If people do not like the movie, they will not watch it," the bench told senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the West Bengal govt.

• Singhvi said according to intelligence inputs, there may be a situation of law-and-order problem and peace among different communities may be breached.

Bench query: The bench also asked the Tamil Nadu govt to specify measures taken to provide adequate security to theatres screening The Kerala Story.