Kerala High Court refuses to stop telecast of Malayalam Bigg Boss

The Kerala High Court on Monday refused to pass directions to the Central government to take measures to stop broadcast of season 6 of television programme Bigg Boss Malayalam [Adv. Adarsh S v. Union of India & Ors.].A bench of Chief Justice AJ Desai and Justice VG Arun opined that the petitioner ought to file a representation for grievance redressal before the broadcaster under the provisions of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act..The petitioner said that he had already filed complaints before the Ministry and alleged that the broadcaster in question had not set up the appropriate grievance redressal mechanism. However, the counsel for the production company Endemol Shine India contended that the petitioner ought to have approached the broadcaster first before going to the ministry..Ultimately, the Bench maintained that the petitioner has to avail the alternate remedies before approaching the Court. It also questioned how a PIL would be maintainable in a case of this nature. "How is this public interest? Should we impose cost? You are an adult person. You are wise enough to decide whether to watch a particular series or not. You approach the authorities," the Court said. .The petition was moved by a practicing lawyer of the High Court seeking directions to the Centre to take measures for the immediate cessation of the transmission of Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 6 program citing certain violent incidents in the show.The petitioner argued that the show contravenes Central government directives by depicting physical assaults. The latest incident involved a scuffle between contestants ASI Rocky and Sijo John, leading to Rocky's eviction.The petitioner argued that Asianet's promotional activities regarding this incident violated broadcasting regulations outlined in the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and associated codes..He also argued that cine actor Mohanlal's interactions with the contestants emphasized the seriousness of the situation. The petition raised concerns about potential violations of fundamental rights, breaches of broadcasting regulations, potential criminal offenses, and risks to public safety and morality..The petitioner, advocate Adarsh S, appeared in-personSenior Advocate Santhosh Mathew appeared for the production company Endemol Shine India.