SC Supports Fines on Kerala Film Authority for Ignoring Tamil, Malayalam Films

A bench comprising Justices Manoj Misra and K V Viswanathan overruled an earlier verdict by the Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT) and fully restored the CCI’s findings.

“We allow the appeal and set aside the judgment of the COMPAT dated February 4, 2016,” the bench announced, emphasizing the need for compliance with directives issued by the CCI.

The court mandated that KFEF must refrain from associating with its president P V Basheer Ahamed and general secretary M C Bobby for a period of two years, commencing December 1.

Furthermore, the court ordered the KFEF to file compliance reports to the CCI within three months regarding the directions given in the earlier ruling.

This decision came in response to complaints filed by Crown Theaters, which alleged that KFEF and its executives engaged in anti-competitive practices by denying screenings of newly released Tamil and Malayalam movies.

Following an investigation, the CCI validated these claims and implemented penalties on KFEF and its officials. An appeal by KFEF to the COMPAT initially resulted in reduced penalties, which the CCI contested in the Supreme Court.

The apex court’s ruling is pivotal for the Tamil cinema landscape, reinforcing measures against anti-competitive behavior in the film industry.

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