Kerala HC Directs Centre to Decide on Film Production House's Plea for National Awards Entry Amidst 'Technical Glitch' Claims

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has directed the Union of India to consider a representation from M/s Amal Neerad Productions LLP after the firm alleged that "technical glitches" on the official portal prevented it from submitting its acclaimed film 'Bougainvillea' for the 72nd National Film Awards, 2024.

While refraining from delving into the veracity of the technical glitch claim, the single-judge bench of Justice V.G. Arun emphasized that the concerned authority must provide a reasoned order on the petitioner's request for an extension.

Background of the Case

The petitioner, M/s Amal Neerad Productions LLP, filed a writ petition stating that its attempts to register and submit an application for its film 'Bougainvillea' on the official awards portal were unsuccessful due to technical issues. The deadline for submission was October 31, 2025. On the final day, the production house submitted a formal request (Ext.P7) to the authorities, seeking an opportunity to complete the application, but received no response. This prompted them to approach the High Court for relief.

Arguments Presented

The counsel for the petitioner argued that the denial of an opportunity to compete was highly prejudicial. It was highlighted that the film 'Bougainvillea' had already achieved significant recognition, winning 7 awards at the Kerala State Film Awards. The denial would not only affect the production company but also the artists and technicians who contributed to the film's success. The petitioner sought a directive for the respondents to consider their request in a time-bound manner.

Representing the Union of India, the learned Deputy Solicitor General of India (DSGI) countered that the portal for the 72nd National Film Awards was open from October 10, 2025, and that extensive, pan-India publicity had been provided, giving all applicants ample time to submit their entries.

Court's Reasoning and Pivotal Excerpts

Justice V.G. Arun observed that the court was not the appropriate forum to determine the factual question of whether a technical glitch had indeed occurred. However, the court noted that the petitioner had raised a specific allegation and formally requested redressal from the competent authority.

The judgment stated:

> "This Court cannot delve into the question whether the petitioner was prevented from submitting application due to a technical glitch. The petitioner having raised such an allegation and made a request to extend the time for accepting the application, the authority concerned has to take a decision at the earliest."

The court's decision was based on the principle that when a citizen makes a formal request to an authority citing specific grounds, it is incumbent upon that authority to consider it and pass a reasoned order.

Final Decision and Implications

Disposing of the writ petition, the High Court directed the 2nd respondent (Union of India) to take up the petitioner's request (Ext.P7) and pass a reasoned order, specifically adverting to the grounds urged by the production house.

The court has mandated that this order be issued within 10 days of the receipt of the judgment's copy. This ruling underscores the importance of administrative responsiveness and procedural fairness, ensuring that grievances, especially those concerning technical barriers to participation, are formally addressed by the authorities.