Judicial review allows for administrative decisions to be ordered to consider requests when procedural issues are raised in time-sensitive matters.

JUDGMENT

Dated this the 11^th day of November, 2025

The petitioner, a film production firm, is aggrieved by the denial of opportunity to submit its entry for the 72^nd National Film Awards, 2024.

2. Learned Counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner’s attempt to register in the official login portal was defeated due to technical glitches. Learned Counsel further submitted that the petitioner’s film ‘Bougainvillea’ regarding which the application was to be submitted, has been conferred with 7 awards in the Kerala State Film Awards. Therefore, denial of opportunity will not only affect the Production Company, but also the chance of the artists and technicians who have worked hard for the film’s overall success. Highlighting this aspect and seeking redressal, the petitioner had submitted Ext.P7 request on 31.10.2025, ie. the last day for submitting the application. The request remains unconsidered and hence the respondents should be directed to consider Ext.P7 in a time bound manner.

3. Learned DSGI submitted that the official portal was open from 10.10.2025 and Pan India publicity was given about the 72^nd National Film Awards, 2024.

4. 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 writ petition is hence disposed of by directing the 2^nd respondent to take up Ext.P7 request and pass a reasoned order thereon, adverting to the grounds urged by the petitioner. The order, as directed above, shall be issued within 10 days of receipt of a copy of this judgment.