Kumar Bahukhandi
Mumbai: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has dismissed a petition seeking cancellation of the screening certificate of the film ‘Emergency’. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) informed the court that the film has not yet been cleared for public exhibition. Actress-politician Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming political drama ‘Emergency’ has been mired in controversy due to its sensitive subject.
The Shiromani Akali Dal has also sought a ban on it, citing “wrong portrayal” of the Sikh community.CBFC’s assurance “Certification of the film is being considered. It has not been cleared as yet. It will be cleared as per the rules and regulations applicable in the matter. If anyone has any complaint, it may be referred to the board,” Hindustan Times quoted Additional Solicitor General of India Satya Pal Jain, appearing for the CBFC, as telling the court. Jain said that the CBFC considers all aspects and ensures that the sentiments of any religious or other group are not hurt before issuing a certificate to any film.
The statement was made during a hearing on Saturday August 31 . Petitioners’ concerns The petition was filed by Mohali residents Gurinder Singh and Jagmohan Singh, who claimed to be Sikhs and social activists. They demanded that the certificate granted by the CBFC be cancelled and eminent Sikh personalities should review the film before its release. The petitioners also requested that the scenes that allegedly “target the Sikh community through false and incorrect facts” be deleted. Additionally, they sought a criminal case to be registered against the filmmakers for allegedly tarnishing the image of the Sikh community.
Release date of the film which depicts a turbulent period during the national Emergency in 1975, is scheduled to release on September 6. A high court bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anil Khetarpal disposed of the plea based on the CBFC’s statement. The detailed order from the proceedings is still awaited. The controversy surrounding “Emergency” highlights ongoing tensions between filmmakers and various community groups over representation in the media.
