Your work is to certify film, not censor it: Bombay HC to CBFC

Mumbai: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has faced setback in the Bombay High Court after board was asked to only certify the films for public exhibition and not censor it. Court was hearing the case involving CBFC’s suggestion for 89 cuts in Abhishek Choubey directed film Udta Punjab.

Anurag Kashyap, who co-produced Udta Punjab, moved Bombay High Court after his tiff with CBFC Chief Pahlaj Nihalani.

On Friday, the court observed, "The word censor is not anywhere in the act. Your power is to certify films for public exhibition."

Bombay HC will give its verdict on Monday.

The film fraternity came together to support Udta Punjab that is made on the backdrop of drug abuse among the youths in the state. CBFC Chief not only suggested over 80 cuts in the film but also asked the makers to remove the word ‘Punjab’ as it brings the state in poor light.

On Friday, Bombay HC questioned the CBFC, “Has drug menace never been portrayed on celluloid? Some may be crude, while some may be artistic. How does this signboard insult anyone?”

Starring Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh, the Abhishek Choubey directed film is slated to hit theatres on June 17.