SC agrees to hear plea challenging release of Modi biopic

SC agrees to hear plea challenging release of Modi biopic

1. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea seeking a stay on the release of the biopic “PM Narendra Modi”. The opposition parties have alleged that the release of the film ahead of elections would violate the Model Code of Conduct. The film has generated widespread debate with opposition political parties alleging that it is a “propaganda film”.
2. Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had sought directions from Election Commission on how it should certify political films when the Model Code is in effect. The EC had clarified that when MCC is in force, CBFC should certify political films/films that are political in nature as per extant provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
3. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is a statutory censorship and classification body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It is entrusted with the task of regulating the public exhibition of films under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act 1952.
4. Meanwhile, the makers of the film “PM Narendra Modi” has announced that the release of the film has been postponed indefinitely. The film is yet to receive clearance from CBFC.