Kochi: The High Court has sought the state government’s opinion on the plea seeking cancellation of the announcement of the State Film Awards. It is suggested to give an explanation on the matter within four days.
While considering the petition, Justice Basant Balaji also directed the Secretary of the Department of Culture to be added as a party to the petition. The plea will be heard again on Friday.
The petitioner is Lijeesh Mullezhat, the director of the movie Akaashathinu Thazhe. The petition is alleging that director Ranjith interfered illegally in the decision of the award.
Evidence of nepotism and irregular interference on the part of the Academy Chairman in deciding the award has also come to light. In this case, the demand of the petition is that the announcement of the award should be cancelled.
The director Vinayan was the first to come forward with the allegation. He has also released some evidence regarding this. But Minister Saji Cheriyan’s response was that Ranjith was not involved in the decision of the award and that Ranjith is a legend.
