Kerala State Film Awards: HC dismisses Lijeesh’s appeal against single Judge’s observation on nepotism charges

However, on 11 August, the Single Judge bench of Justice PV Kunhikrishnan observed that the petitioner lacked evidence to prove the allegations of nepotism and bias.

The court also observed that the petition need not be entertained based on the hearsay evidence stated by the petitioner and dismissed the plea terming it “frivolous.”

Division bench dismisses the plea

On 16 August, the division bench comprising Chief Justice AJ Desai and Justice VG Arun observed that Lijeesh’s plea was devoid of merit and that the single judge did not commit any error in dismissing the same.

The bench also observed that, apart from these aspects, “with regard to allegations of the appellant about canvassing, no material has been placed before the single judge and there and therefore, we are of the opinion that the single judge committed no error in rejecting the petition.”

The Court also said that neither had the film’s producer come forth raising similar claims as the appellant-director nor had any affidavit in support of the appeal of the appellant been filed by the members of the main jury.

The appeal was thus dismissed by the bench.

Related: Kerala HC dismisses petition filed against State Film Awards 2022

Nepotism allegations

Lijeesh submitted his movie for the Kerala State Film Awards 2022 under the category of feature films. However, he alleged that his film didn’t win awards due to nepotism and bias on the part of the jury.

In his petition, Lijeesh also mentioned similar allegations made by director Vinayan who claimed that he had evidence against the jury members of the Kerala State Film Awards 2022 which could prove bias and nepotism on their part.

Further, the filmmaker claimed that his movie (Aakaashathinu Thazhe) was discarded by the Chalachitra Academy which also violated his right to equality guaranteed under Article 14 of the Constitution.

In his plea, he asked the High Court to direct the State government and the Kerala state police chief to conduct an inquiry and take action against Ranjith.

However, Kerala Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cheriyan refuted the allegations made against the academy chairman and defined him as “a legend” and “a gentleman”.

Cheriyan also told the media that Ranjith had no role in the award selection process and the entire responsibility was entrusted to the award jury headed by Bengali filmmaker Gautam Ghosh.

Related: Kerala State Film Awards: Vinayan accuses Ranjith of influencing jury