Today, the Supreme Court of India held that it will hear an appeal against a Kerala High Court interim order refusing to stay the release of the controversial Sudipto Sen movie 'The Kerala Story', which claims to depict the 'forced recruitment and conversion of young girls and women by the Islamic State'.

This comes days after the Kerala HC declined to interfere, arguing that the trailer does not contain anything offensive to any particular community as a whole.

"In view of the disclaimer... we are not inclined to pass an interim order restraining respondents from exhibiting the film. In view of the above and taking into consideration the statement by the producer... does not intend to retain offending teaser in social media, no further orders necessary..." the court said.

During the hearing, Justice Nagaresh said the movie could not be banned because a few clerics were shown as 'bad people'. "There are numerous movies in which (Hindu) sanyasis, Christian priests and others are shown as bad…"

The court also noted the Central Board of Film Certification had passed the movie; the CBFC said the social media teaser had not been certified but that this is 'not necessary' if the clips were not being exhibited in theatres or on TV.

Last week, the Petition was filed before the Kerala High Court arguing 'The Kerala Story' 'falsely portrayed' certain facts and that this had 'insulted' Keralites.