The Delhi High Court on Wednesday reserved its verdict on a plea against the release of a film ‘Santa Banta Pvt ltd’ saying it will pronounce its verdict after watching it, even as the Censor Board stood by its decision to certify it on the ground that there was nothing objectionable.
A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath directed the producers of the movie to submit compact discs (CD) of the film, its trailer and preamble for its perusal.
The order was passed on a plea Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) which has contended that the movie, to be released on April 22, makes fun of the Sikh community and could also lead to “disturbance”. During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain, appearing for Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) told the court that the board has certified the movie after considering all aspects and nothing offensive towards the community was found.
He said under the Cinematograph Act, only the producers can challenge the Board’s order in the appellate tribunal and the petitioner cannot do so in the instant case. He suggested that the court can direct the I&B Ministry to reconsider the certification of the movie as per the provisions of the Act.
Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee in its petition has sought stay on the release of the film contending that it “misrepresented” the community and projected “the personality of the community in defamatory and denigrating manner” which could cause “disturbance.