Santa Banta film: Order reserved, CBFC stands by certification

Delhi High Court today reserved its verdict on a plea against the release of a film 'Santa Banta Pvt Ltd' saying it will pronounce its verdict after watching it, even as the Censor Board stood by its decision to certify it on the ground that there was nothing objectionable.
A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath directed the producers of the movie to submit compact discs (CD) of the film, its trailer and preamble for its perusal.
The order was passed on a plea Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) which has contended that the movie, to be released on April 22, makes fun of the Sikh community and could also lead to "disturbance".

During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain, appearing for Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) told the court that the board has certified the movie after considering all aspects and nothing offensive towards the community was found.
He said under the Cinematograph Act, only the producers can challenge the Board's order in the appellate tribunal and the petitioner cannot do so in the instant case.
He suggested that the court can direct the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to reconsider the certification of the movie as per the provisions of the Act.

Meanwhile, the producers, Viacom 18 and director of the movie opposed the plea saying there was no public interest in it and nor did the movie made fun of the community.

They also opposed reconsideration of the certificate by the government or any such direction by the court, saying this would amount to questioning the board's decision which took a call after seeing the movie.
They opposed maintainability of the plea saying the petitioner had on March 8 sent them a notice seeking change in the movie's name, taking down of the posters and demanding Rs 100 crore as damages, but not a word was mentioned that the film should not be released. They also said the posters were removed in view of the objections of the petitioner.
DSGMC in its petition has sought stay on the release of the film contending that it "misrepresented" the community and projected "the personality of the community in defamatory and denigrating manner" which could cause "disturbance".