Kerala High Court Seeks Clarity on Allowing Commercial Shoots in Forest Zones

The Kerala High Court has asked the State government to clarify whether a policy exists regarding permissions for commercial film shoots in national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves, and protected forests.

The bench noted that while a 2013 government order outlines fee structures and security deposits for filming, it lacks guidelines on whether such shoots should be permitted at all.

The petition, filed by NGO Animal Legal Force Integration, raised concerns over environmental damage during the 2018 shoot of the Malayalam film Unda. 

Citing Article 48A and Section 29 of the Wildlife Protection Act, the court emphasised the need for a comprehensive policy beyond just fee schedules. Amicus curiae Manu Vyasan Peter has been appointed to assist. Next Hearing on June 23.