HC seeks Centre's reply on PIL to ban songs promoting alcohol

The Delhi High Court today sought the Centre's response on a PIL seeking an immediate ban on songs that promote use of drugs and alcohol.
A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice R S Endlaw asked Additional Solicitor General Sanjay Jain, appearing for Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, to take instruction on a plea alleging that such songs not only justify drinking but also suggest that consumption is "good".
The court also asked the ministry to inform it whether such songs cannot be allowed to telecast once the film has received Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) approval.

The court was hearing a PIL filed by two advocates, who sought direction to the ministry to ban two songs -- 'Chaar botal vodka and 'Mai alcholic hoon' -- from playing or public display and other similar numbers.
The petitioners -- Vijay Dahiya and Ankur Kumar Mishra -- said that they have been constantly hearing and watching these songs, which seemed uprightly glorifying and promoting drugs and alcohol, through films, FM and Sunday entertainment channels.
They said that they went through the Cinematography Act, 1956. "It is after the complete reading of the act and the guidelines, they got sure of the intention of the law which is to stop screening films which tend to glorify or promote drugs and alcohol," the petition said.