Commercial films, serials cannot be shot in wildlife sanctuaries: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has ruled that commercial film and television shooting is prohibited within wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and tiger reserves. The decision followed a petition by a filmmaker seeking permission to shoot in areas within the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Why it matters
The ruling reinforces environmental protection laws by prioritizing the preservation of sensitive ecological zones over commercial entertainment activities.
Permission cannot be granted for shooting commercial films and television serials in wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, or tiger reserves, the Kerala High Court observed on a plea by Malayalam filmmaker Tharun Moorthy regarding his upcoming movie “Athimanoharam” starring Mohanlal.
The Division Bench of Justice Raja V. Vijayaraghavan and Justice K.V. Jayakumar noted that two locations mentioned in the director’s request for film shooting could be allowed from August 18 to 28, provided they paid the required fees and executed an agreement with the Forest and Wildlife department.
The petition sought directions to the Divisional Forest Officer, Ranni, and the Deputy Director, Periyar West Division, Peerumedu, to consider Mr. Moorthy’s requests. The Travancore Devaswom Board had granted permission to shoot, subject to prior permission from Forest officials.
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