(a) whether the controversial films are being released in the country which hurt the religious sentiments of the people and force them to agitate against such films; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the details of remedial measures taken/ being taken by the Government is this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING [COL. RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (Retd.)]:
(a) & (b): The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certifies films for public exhibition in accordance with the Cinematograph Act, 1952, Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983 and Guidelines for certification of films notified in 1991 by the Government. The release of films is not done by CBFC.
The principles for guidance in certifying films as in Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act indicate that a film shall not be certified for public exhibition if in the opinion of the authority competent to grant the certificate, the film or any part of it is against the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or involves defamation or contempt of court or likely to incite the commission of any offence.
The guidelines prescribe that while certifying a film CBFC, among other things, is to ensure that visuals or words contemptuous of racial, religious or other groups are not presented.
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