The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on Thursday argued in the High Court that it has no objection to the release of the film Emergency if some scenes are cut, directed and co-produced by actress Kangana Ranaut. Following a request by the makers of the film, the court has given them time till Monday to submit their comments on the role of the censor board.
On September 19, the High Court directed the CBFC to decide on the film's release by September 25, emphasizing that delays in certification hinder freedom of expression.
Sikh organisations including the Shiromani Akali Dal have objected to some of the scenes and dialogues in the film. The organisation had moved to the Madhya Pradesh High Court, alleging that the film portrayed society wrongly and misrepresented facts. That court ordered the Censor Board to listen to the Sikh community. Against this backdrop, the Censor Board refused to issue a certificate for the film's release. Hence, the makers of the film approached the Bombay High Court to get the certificate. Taking cognizance of this, the court also ordered the Censor Board to consider the demand of the petitioners, commenting that it was not right to deny the film the certificate by raising the issue of law and order.
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A bench of Justice Burgess Kulabawala and Justice Firdosh Puniwala asked the Censor Board. The reconsideration committee of the board has taken its decision on it. Accordingly, the committee has suggested that some of the scenes and dialogues should be cut before giving the certificate to the film, Vaquis Abhinav Chandrachud, representing the Censor Board, informed the court. Also, it was clarified that there is no objection to issue the certificate to the film if the producers accept this suggestion. After that, senior advocate Sharan Jagtiani, on behalf of the petitioners, requested the court to give a deadline till Monday to consider the suggestion and explain its stand. Accepting it, the court adjourned the hearing of the case on Monday.
Which scenes will require edit?
The censor board has suggested that the words "saint" and Bhindranwale should be removed from the dialogue between Sanjay Gandhi, Gyani Zail Singh and Indira Gandhi and top military officials in the film Emergency, based on the life of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Apart from that, some violent scenes as well as interactions related to the Sikh community should also be reduced.
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