Kerala State Awards row: High Court seeks explanation from the government

The controversy regarding Kerala State Awards 2023 is not simmering down as the High Court of Kerala has now sought an explanation from the State government after Lijeesh MJ, the director of Akashathinu Thazhe filed a writ petition on Monday.  

His plea before the court is to set aside the awards declared by the Jury of Kerala State Awards 2023 and to order an inquiry against Kerala Chalachitra Academy Chairman and veteran Malayalam director Ranjith. Though the court rejected the petition to revoke the awards, it decided to seek an explanation from the government regarding allegations against the chairman. Lijeesh contended that academy chairman Ranjith had influenced the award jury and denied awards to deserving films. In the petition, Lijeesh also mentioned about the allegations of director Vinayan against Ranjith.

Also Read: Vinayan-Ranjith's Kerala State Film Awards 2023 row: Another jury speaks out against the Kerala Chalachitra Academy chairman 

Earlier, Vinayan had alleged that Ranjith intervened with the declaration of State Awards which was reflected in the list of winners. Vinayan said Ranjith meddled with the jury process and denied awards to deserving films including Pathonpatham Noottandu, helmed by Vinayan. A s evidence, Vinayan also shared the voice notes of jury members Nemom Pushparaj and Jensy Gregory, in which both of them admit the unfair interference of the chairman in the decision of the jury. Vinayan also termed the act of Ranjith as abuse of power. The former had complained to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijajan on the issue and the CM had ordered an inquiry against Ranjith.

Cultural Minister Saji Cherian hit out at the allegations made by Vinayan. Saji called the allegations of the Pathonpatham Noottandu director as baseless and assured that there is no foul play in the determination of award winners. While saying Ranjith has no role in the process, the minister also gave a clean chit to the chairman by addressing him as a legend.

Ranjith responded on the matter recently, saying that he doesn't wish to comment on it.

Also Read: Vinayan kicks up a storm on the Kerala State Award controversy; says will approach the CM and court