Leela Samson, the chief of the Central Board of Film Certification, has resigned following the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal’s decision to clear the release of the controversial film, The Messenger of God.
In an interview to the news agency PTI, Leela Samson stated, “interference, coercion and corruption of panel members and officers of the organisation who are appointed by the ministry,” as reasons that triggered her resignation.
The popular Bharatanatyam danseuse added that the Government hasn’t appointed a new board yet, and the current members’ terms are over. “A few were given extension and asked to carry on till the procedure was complete. However, recent cases of interference in the working of the CBFC by the ministry, through an ‘additional charge’ CEO, and corrupt panel members have caused a degradation of those values that the members of this Board of CBFC, and the Chairperson (had) stood for.”
Samson also declared that she didn’t receive a written confirmation about the release of the film. “It is a mockery of Central Board of Film Certification. My resignation is final. Have informed the (I&B) secretary.”
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Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Junior Minister at the Information and Broadcasting Ministry dismissed Samson’s allegations. He told The Times of India, “There was no coercion or interference from the Government to give a clearance to The Messenger of God.”
Directed by Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the head of Dera Sacha Sauda, and Jeetu Aurora, The Messenger of God deals with social issues and substance abuse. The spiritual leader also plays the lead, besides handling cinematography and music.
The movie – earlier scheduled to release on January 16 – was referred to the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal when the CBFC refused to certify it.
Image courtesy: Outlookindia.com