NEW DELHI(PTI): A video magazine’s interview with Bombay stock broker Harshad Mehta for its July issue has been censored “in its entirety” by the central board of film certification.
“Eyewitness” was ordered to cut the 11minute interview with Mehta and his counsel Ram Jethmalani by the censor board on the ground that it was defamatory of the prime minister, according to a Press release from the video magazine.
The release said the video magazine was informed by the censor board that the decision to this effect was taken by the examining committee.
The video magazine is not taking the matter lying down. It has decided to go to the Appellate Tribunal Bombay.
“We are confident that it will be passed,” says Thapar, but shrugs in disgust knowing the value of a topical interview telecast a month late. The Appellate Court, is to meet in three weeks.
Ironically, most of the interview had been released to the press on. June 23, a day after the associate producer S.Jain had met the duo, and was widely reported. In fact, Thapar says it was there that Mehta first specifically alleged that the PM “blessed” the money laden suitcase and even “touched it,” and Jethmalani said that he had proof the CCPA did not meet on November 4 nor did Rao meet a Pakistani delegation that day.
The fact remains then that the actual footage had nothing star Jingly new. Thus, the CBFC’s move to censor the entire item does seem mystifying. Especially, as Thapar says, “Although Mehta and Jethmalani had leveled fresh allegations against the prime minister, the overall impact is not defamatory so much as making them look a little unsure of themselves.” The Censor Boardis obviously not listening to him.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 9, 1993
