Manish Tewari refrains from commenting on Leela Samson's resignation

With the government denying any interference in giving a 'clearance' to controversial film 'Messenger of God' featuring Dera Saccha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and stating that Censor Board chief Leela Samson's resignation was her personal choice, former information and broadcasting minister Manish Tewari on Friday said that he would come up with a response only after going through the Centre's comment in this regard.

"The fact is that somebody has continued in the tenure of this government. I have not seen what is the statement, which the government has given. Let me have a look into it. If it requires a response then we would definitely articulate it. The fact remains that as I earlier pointed out, there is a principle which I have been following not to comment about the affairs of my former ministry till the time it becomes absolutely essential," said Tewari.

"And, therefore, let the current government come out with a response. If there is anything in that response which needs to be commented upon we will come back to you," he added.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore earlier in the day clarified that there was no coercion on Central Board for Film Certification chairperson Leela Samson from his ministry in Dera Sachcha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's film 'Messenger of God'.

He said the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has always respected decisions of the Board and has never tried to interfere in its affairs. He added that a final call on the film lies with Film Certification Appellate Tribunal.

He also said the ministry has not received any resignation letter from the Censor Board's chairperson.

"This is her personal choice, the government has no comment on it," he said while commenting on Leela Samson's resignation.