Victory for “Udta Punjab” makers

The Bombay High Court on Monday ordered the Censor board to clear the film “Udta Punjab” with just one cut and issue a fresh certificate to movie in two days. Refusing to stay the release of the film, as demanded by The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the court directed the makers of the film to delete urination scene and asks for a revised disclaimer.

“We are not in agreement that in some films cuss words have been allowed so these should be allowed here too. There is no need to assert or incorporate abusive words in every dialogue,” ruled the court.

The CBFC, however, submitted that all the 13 changes including deletion of Punjab in the film title suggested by its Revising Committee were justified and proper.

Talking to media after the verdict, producer Anurag Kahsyap's lawyer said it's a vindication of democracy. “We have to delete only one scene (urination). It is a vindication of democracy,” said the lawyer.

The court earlier observed that the CBFC does not have power to censor films. It said that cuts suggested should be in consonance with Constitution and earlier Supreme Court orders. “'Udta Punjab' is a movie depicting the drug menace based in a place. There is no mention of the word 'censor' in board. Board should use its powers as per Constitution and Supreme Court's directions,” the bench observed.

The film had been facing controversy ever since CBFC Chief Pahlaj Nihalani ordered 13 cuts, which included cutting down references to Punjab, elections, political parties and the reference in the name of the film.

Anurag Kashyap, one of the producers of the film, appealed to the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT), after a Bombay high court order helped them receive the official letter from the CBFC informing them about the cuts.

Source: Indian Express