Govt refutes Samson's charges of coercion, interference

Refuting allegations of interference, coercion and corruption levelled by Censor Board Chairperson Leela Samson, the government today said that it has always maintained a distance from the entire process of film certification.
With Samson deciding to resign amid a row over controversial film 'Messenger of God', Minister of State (MoS) for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore said his ministry has always "kept a hands away distance" from the Censor Board decisions.
He also said that if evidence was provided that any particular member had been coerced, the government would take appropriate action.
"We have respected the Censor Board all along. Infact when the issue of the previous film came up, we respected the decision of the Censor Board. We kept a hands away distance from its decisions," Rathore said.

Asked whether she was aware about news reports that the appellate film certification tribunal has cleared the film 'Messenger of God', Samson had said last night, "I hear so. Nothing in writing yet. It is a mockery of CBFC. My resignation is final. Have informed (I&B) secretary."
She had stated the the decision to quit was taken because of "recent cases of interference", "coercion and corruption of panel members and officers" of the Censor Board.

Dismissing her allegations, Rathore said due process was being followed in all cases including in the case of 'Messenger of God'.
"Now when this particular film has come into discussion, the Censor Board would realise that the final call lies with the FCAT, the film appellate tribunal," Rathore said.

Asked whether the I&B ministry had received Samson's resignation, "No, we are not aware. We heard this on TV, and so that the public is not misled, hence we are briefing you."
He said very eminent persons constitute the appellate tribunal and emphasised that the government does not interfere in the entire process of film certification.
"There is a retired justice heading the tribunal. There is a Supreme Court advocate in the appellate tribunal. There is a senior journalist in the tribunal, they take decision, whatsoever, which will be made public very soon," he said.
The Minister also emphasised that the present Board and its members were placed by the previous government and current regime had not put in any additional member.