HC recalls its earlier order

A division bench comprising Justices R Banumathi and K K Sasidharan had directed the central government to treat a representation by one Abdul Rahim, General Secretary of a Muslim outfit, as a revision petition under Section 6 (1) of the Cinematograph Act and dispose of the same on merits and as per law by March 31.

The bench today took the matter suo motu and said when issuing its earlier direction, it was not brought to its notice that the Supreme Court in a case had already declared Section 6 (1) as "unconstitutional" on account of the formation of an Appellate Tribunal under Section 5-D of the Act.

 

Since the Supreme Court had declared the section unconstitutional, necessarily, the Bench said, its direction for consideration of the revision petition by the central government required to be recalled.

The bench further ordered a notice to Additional Solicitor-General and the Advocate-General to assist the court.

The bench posted the matter for February eight for filing response of the central and state governments and further hearing.

Rahim had sought a direction to the Centre and the Censor Board to consider his representation dated November 22 last year and withdraw the 'U' certificate issued to the film contending that the film did not depict Muslims in good light.