HC notice over no censor certificate to two films

New Delhi, Jan 21 (IANS) The Delhi Court Wednesday issued notice to the central government and the censor board on two separate pleas challenging the refusal of certificate for screening of two films.

Filmmaker Pankaj Butalia challenged the censor board’s refusal to clear his documentary “Textures of Loss” based on the violence in Jammu and Kashmir, while production house Sai Cine Productions moved the court against denial of certificate to Punjabi film “Kaum De Heere”.

Justice Rajiv Shakdher sought response from the information and broadcasting ministry, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) on Butalia’s plea by Feb 26.

On Sai Cine Production’s plea, response from parties was sought by March 12.

“Textures of Loss” features interviews of people who lost their kin because of the conflict and violence in Jammu and Kashmir. Some of them condemned India and the army, while others spoke about jihad.

The censor board sought some cuts in the documentary, but Butalia maintained he was merely depicting opinions.

“Kaum De Heere” allegedly glorifies assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi by Satwant Singh, Beant Singh and Kehar Singh.