Karnataka high court declines to stay Chambal release

BENGALURU: The high court on Thursday declined to pass an interim order staying the Friday release of

Kannada film Chambal

. Late IAS officer DK Ravi’s parents had sought the stay, claiming it maligned their son.

Justice Sunil Dutt Yadav said no grounds have been made for grant of interim relief at this stage. He, however, directed producers/distributors to submit a CD/DVD of the film to the court’s registry on February 24.

In their petition, Gowramma and Kariyappa, parents of Ravi, who committed suicide in 2015, had sought for a direction to producers N Dinesh Rajkumar and Mathew Varghese and distributors Jacob Films to arrange for a preview of the film before it is released.

The judge also asked the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) to submit its stand on the issue by the next date of hearing.

C Shashikantha, assistant solicitor-general who appeared for central government and CBFC, told the court that certification was granted on November 30, 2018, and there was no allegation/complaint against it or claim over depiction of Ravi’s character.

N P Amrutesh, counsel for petitioners, claimed the film portrays a false image of Ravi, who was considered an upright and brave officer, and its release would affect their right to dignity.

Citing instances of Bandit Queen, the film on dacoit-turned-politician Phoolan Devi, Kannada movies Avasthe, said to be based on socialist leader Shanthaveri Gopala Gowda, and Police Story, where the courts had intervened, Amrutesh sought for a similar intervention as the film would dent Ravi’s image if released.

Officers, prosecutors need refresher course: HC

After noticing a serious lapse by investigating officer and public prosecutor in handling a murder case from Hoskote, the high court said both the DGP and the director of prosecution need to take measures to train their personnel through refresher courses and seminars.

A division bench headed by Justice KN Phaneendra noted that before coming to court, all officers should refresh themselves on details of investigation, statements of witnesses, contradictions/omissions cited during the course of evidence. This would help them answer questions during cross-examination.

Referring to the case, the bench said the investigating officer hadn’t bothered to look into a prosecution witness’ statement before answering a query posed to him.


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