New guidelines for film certification

New Delhi, June 8: Amid the controversy, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Wednesday sought to make it clear that the government cannot interfere in the certification of a film and any grievance on the issue can be sorted out only by the appropriate tribul. Top sources in the I&B ministry also said that in view of frequent complaints about censorship vis-a-vis film certification, the central government will soon consolidate a new set of guidelines “if necessary” on the basic film certification process. “A set of recommendations submitted by the Shyam Benegal-led committee is being examined and is under consideration of the government,” a source said here.

“The Film Certification Appellate Tribul (FCAT) is the only appropriate body for all disputes. Unnecessary controversies need not be created by attacking government or any individual,” a source in the I&B ministry said here even as the controversy snowballed into a political row. The FCAT has adequate constitutiol sanctity and is headed by a retired high court judge, the source said. The I&B ministry sources, however, said that previous court orders make it clear that in any dispute the I&B ministry cannot intervene or help resolve the dispute. (IANS)