HC urges journalist’s family to go for mediation

In an attempt to find an amicable solution to the row over the release of Tamil film Porkalathil Oru Poo , scripted based on the life of the late Sri Lankan Tamil journalist Isaipriya, the Madras High Court has urged the family of the deceased and the director of the film to explore the possibilities of settlement.

Originally, film director K. Ganesan approached the High Court after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) denied certification, and the decision was upheld by the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal on the grounds that the film was against friendly relations with a foreign State, contending that the film carried scenes degrading women.

The director wanted the court to grant permission for public screening of the film.

Subsequently, the journalist’s mother Dharmini Vahisan and sister Vetharanjini moved the court seeking an interim injunction against the release of the film, as it did not have their consent.

When the pleas came up for hearing, Justice T. S. Sivagnanam said, “Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, this court is of the view that an attempt could be made to explore the possibility of settlement in the matter by resorting to mediation.”

Since the family of the deceased journalist is in London, the Judge directed the Mediation and Conciliation Centre to arrange for video conferencing facility to enable the parties to participate in the mediation.

The court posted the pleas to June 27 for further hearing. (The Hindu)