High Court of Delhi

Central Board of Film Certification and Ors. v. Pankaj Butalia and Ors.

MANU/DE/0346/2016

15.02.2016

Media and Communication

Personal views in interview on ‘sensitive’ Kashmir to not be censored

The Delhi High Court rejected calls from the CBFC against the grant of a ‘U’ certificate to a documentary about the suffering caused by the long term violence in Kashmir. The CBFC had directed four excisions from the documentary titled ‘The Texture of Loss’; additionally a disclaimer was to be added stating that the views in the film did not intend hurt to caste, religion or society. Two scenes sought deletion of the expression “disproportionate violence” and a statement by a family damning India after the loss of their son in military action. The Court agreed that violence in Kashmir remains a sensitive topic, however material in the film was not objectionable. Statements made during interviews were personal views which could not have a demoralizing effect on security forces nor could they be termed anti-national.

Relevant

S. Rangarajan vs. P. Jagjevan Ram and Ors. MANU/SC/0475/1989
Section 5A Cinematograph Act, 1952

Tags : Documentary objectionable comments sensitive topic personal view

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