Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 18 (NationPress) - On Thursday, the Kerala High Court issued a notice regarding a petition submitted by Jollyamma Joseph, commonly known as Jolly, the accused in the Koodathayi murder case. She is seeking legal action against the Malayalam web series 'Anali', which she claims portrays events reminiscent of her ongoing trial.

Jolly is charged with the murders of six family members, including her first husband, Roy Thomas, allegedly by administering cyanide to acquire control over their family estate.

The trial is currently in progress at the Additional District Court (Special Court for Trial for Maradu Cases), Kozhikode.

During the hearing, Justice V.G. Arun refused to halt the web series' release, noting that the series had not yet aired in its entirety.

The judge remarked that, at this time, there was “nothing concrete apart from a teaser” suggesting parallels with the ongoing criminal case.

“There is also a matter of artistic freedom. Where is the total ban against drawing inspiration from real events?” the court observed.

Pointing out that legal decisions should not be influenced by films or web series, the judge stated that mere assumptions could not warrant a pre-release prohibition.

Nevertheless, the court recognized the petitioner’s apprehension, given that the matter remains under judicial scrutiny.

Upon accepting the plea, the court issued notices to the relevant parties and instructed the petitioner’s attorney to include the Union government as an additional respondent.

The Deputy Solicitor General acknowledged notice for the Central Board of Film Certification, while the Government Pleader accepted notice on behalf of the state.

Director Midhun Manuel Thomas, listed as the fifth respondent, was ordered to receive notice via a special messenger.

Additionally, the court allowed notice to be sent via email to JioHotstar, the distributor of the web series.

The case is set for further hearings on January 15.