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Mumbai: Bombay High Court has said through the Central Board of Film Certification that Kangana Ranaut has agreed to the cuts suggested by the Censor Board in the film 'Emergency'. Kangana is the producer and director of this film. He is himself in the film. Also played the lead role of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Censor Board told the High Court during the hearing that another co-producer of the film, Zee Entertainment, has filed an application in the Bombay High Court against the release of the film.
Justice B. P. This information was given in the argument given by the Censor Board's counsel before the Colabawala Tata bench of Justice Firdoush Puniwala.
Last week, the Censor Board had told the High Court that some cuts have been suggested in the film. If this is implemented then permission may be given to release the film.
The censor has suggested removing scenes of Sikhs shooting at others in the film. Apart from this, Bhindranwale has asked to remove mention of Sanjay Gandhi and Giani Jail Singh in the conversation.
During today's hearing, Zeena's lawyer also said that Kangana has agreed to accept the cuts suggested by the censor. But, Kangana insists that the facts should be cut to the bone. He said that a meeting has taken place between Kangana and Censor Board officials and she has agreed on the cuts. Now he and the censor board will have to come to an agreement.
On behalf of the censor, it was said that the cuts suggested by the revising committee of the Censor Board are of only one minute. It is being told that the Censor Board has suggested changing some of the word usage in the film.
However, Zee's lawyer sought confirmation from both parties on the matter. Therefore, the court has fixed the date of hearing on this application so that both the parties can get proper instructions. Postponed till 3 October.
There has been huge protest in Punjab over the wrong portrayal of the Sikh community in the film. Sikh organizations and political parties across the country have also opposed the film. Earlier this film was to be released before the Lok Sabha elections. Later the release date was changed to 6th September. But the release was stalled due to political opposition and legal battles.
According to the allegation of co-producer Zee Entertainment, the Censor Board had earlier sent them the certificate through email. But, he refused to give the certificate in person. It was argued on behalf of Zee that the release of the film has been stopped on the orders of the Central Government so that the interests of the ruling BJP in Haryana are not harmed due to the assembly elections.
However, the High Court rejected this argument and said that it is not possible for the BJP, as the ruling party at the Centre, to stop the film of its own MP.
Earlier during the hearing, the High Court had told the censor that they cannot stop the certification of a film just because of the fear of protests or riots. This is a violation of freedom of expression.
