Bombay HC to CBFC: Your Job Is to Certify Films Not Censor Them

The Bombay High Court, on Friday, came down heavily on the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for the cuts ordered in the movie 'Udta Punjab' and observed that the board's job is to certify films and not censor them.

In a scathing observation, the court asked CBFC that if it thinks the movie glorifies drugs, then why is it not banning the whole movie. Mincing no words in its observation, the court categorically told the CBFC, that whether its TV or cinema, the board should leave it to the people to decide whether the film is defaming a state.

During the hearing, the CBFC argued that the vulgar words and scenes from the movie must be removed. Claiming that the dog in the movie which is named after Jackie Chan is contemptuous, the board tried to justify its decision for the cut. The arguments in the case have concluded and the order will be passed on June 13.

Anurag Kashyap, who the producer of the film, had earlier accused CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani of bullying and purposely not certifying the film. The CBFC has demanded 89 cuts in the film that features Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Diljit Dosanjh. Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, the film is scheduled to release in theatres on June 17.

Meanwhile, the makers have agreed to cut one scene, where Shahid Kapoor's character is seen urinating in front of the public in the song 'Chitta Ve'. The cut was one of the numerous scenes that CBFC demanded be changed.