SC asks Censor Board to review classification of 'Sadda Haq'

The Supreme Court today asked the Censor Board to consider whether the "U" certificate granted to Punjabi film "Sadda Haq" that allegedly glorifies extremism era can be changed to "A" following recommendation of a court appointed panel which did not favour suspending its screening.
After perusing the report of the four-member committee, which watched the movie today, a bench headed by Chief Justice Altamas Kabir said that the Central Board of Film Certification which is the statutory authority will re-consider its decision on Monday after which the film can be released across the country.
The order was passed on a plea challenging the ban on screening of the film in Delhi, Punjab and the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

The report by the committee comprising senior advocates Fali Nariman, Rajiv Dhavan, Indira Jaising (Additional Solicitor General) and Rebecca John said the Board when it looks into the final version of the film, may "seriously re-consider whether the film present classification as 'U' (under section 5A of the Cinematograph Act, 1952) is at all appropriate or whether the film should be only certified as 'A' film".
The committee dismissed the apprehension of governments of Delhi, Punjab and the Union Territory of Chandigarh that the screening of the film is likely to cause breach of law and order.
"We are of the considered view that suspending the screening of the film on the ground that it is likely to cause a breach of peace calling for pre-emptive action by state authorities is totally inappropriate since it is the duty of the state to maintain law and order and prevent any apprehended breach of peace.

"This view is consistent with the law already laid down by this court, in particular, in the judgement in the Union of India Vs K M Shankarappa," the note given by the panel to the court said.