Punjab, AP to SC: Ban on ‘Aarakshan’ lifted

Punjab and Andhra Pradesh today informed the Supreme Court that there was no longer any ban on the release of Bollywood film “Aarakshan” in the two states, while the court issued a notice to Uttar Pradesh on a petition filed by producer Prakash Jha seeking a stay on the restrictions against his Rs 65-crore production.

rguing before a Bench comprising Justices MK Sharma and AR Dave, senior counsel Harish Salve contended that the state governments could ban any film, citing law and order problem as a reason, only after the release.

This legal position had been clarified by the judiciary in the case relating to another Bollywood film “Jodha Akbar”, he said.

The Bench passed an order recording the statements of Punjab and AP that “they have withdrawn the orders of restrictions” and directing them to file their affidavits in this regard within three days.

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Screening of ‘Aarakshan’ banned

The Punjab Government has imposed a ban on the screening of Prakash Jha’s film ‘Aarakhshan’ in the state till a screening committee constituted by the state submits its report. An official spokesman said the decision had been taken following intelligence reports that some scenes/dialogues in the film could trigger social tensions.

The government has constituted a seven-member committee consisting of Samir Kumar, Secretary, Home, Raj Kumar Atihai, Chairman, Safai Karamchari Board, Punjab, Vijay Danav, Chairman, Scheduled Caste Welfare Board, Punjab, a member of the Punjab Scheduled Caste Commission, VK Bhawra, IG, Intelligence, and the VCs of Patiala’s Punjabi University and Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar to view the movie and take a decision.

The Chamar Mahan Sabha said in a statement that the film must be allowed to be released countrywide. Sabha’s president PS Kainth said Jha was known for his commitment to social causes and his ability to handle sensitive issues “to bare the truth before the public.” 

Src.http://www.tribuneindia.com/2011/20110812/punjab.htm