Creative freedom can’t be curtailed, says Bombay HC on ‘Emergency’

Expresses displeasure with CBFC for not taking a decision on the issuance of a certificate to Kangana Ranaut-starrer film

Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Thursday said creative freedom and the freedom of expression cannot be curtailed and the censor board cannot refuse to certify a film just because there is an apprehension of a law and order problem.

A division Bench of Justices BP Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla expressed its displeasure with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for not taking a decision on the issuance of a certificate to Kangana Ranaut-starrer film ‘Emergency‘, and ordered for the decision to be taken by September 25.

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It asked if the CBFC thinks the people of this country are so naive to believe everything that is shown in a movie. On the petitioner’s claim that the CBFC was delaying issuance of certificate to the movie due to political reasons, the HC noted the film’s co-producer Ranaut was herself a sitting BJP parliamentarian and questioned if the ruling party was acting against its own MP.

Ranaut, who has directed and co-produced the film besides playing the lead role of former prime minister late Indira Gandhi, earlier this week accused the CBFC of stalling certification to delay the release.

The Bench said, “You (CBFC) have to take a decision one way or the other. You must have the courage to say this film cannot be released. At least then we will appreciate your courage and boldness. We don’t want the CBFC to sit on the fence.”

The court was hearing a petition filed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises, seeking a direction to the CBFC to issue a certificate for the film “Emergency”.