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CBFC Intervenes in Umar Khalid Documentary Screening at IIIT-Hyderabad
Confirmed
In Short: The Central Board of Film Certification has flagged the proposed screening of an uncertified documentary about jailed activist Umar Khalid, prompting IIIT-Hyderabad to distance itself.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has intervened in the proposed screening of a documentary on jailed activist Umar Khalid at the International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIIT-Hyderabad), citing violations of the Cinematograph Act.
According to reports, the CBFC flagged the screening, stating that public exhibition of an uncertified film would be illegal unless a specific exemption had been obtained.
IIIT-Hyderabad, however, distanced itself from the proposed screening, with the institute and its recognized student bodies asserting that neither had organized or hosted the event.
The student committee initially postponed the screening, citing logistical and security concerns, but maintained that the decision was not due to pressure.
The proposed screening was planned on the occasion of 'Political Prisoners' Day' and was met with objections from the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which claimed it would amount to using the campus for political propaganda.
This development follows a similar postponement of a planned screening at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru, highlighting ongoing tensions around student activism and film exhibition regulations on campuses.
What's confirmed
- Sources said the students have now decided to cancel the screening.
- The student committee subsequently postponed the programme citing "logistical and security considerations", while maintaining that it was not backing out because of pressure and that the screening would be held later in the trimester.
- The invitation for the proposed IIIT-Hyderabad screening said it was planned on the occasion of "Political Prisoners' Day".
- The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on Thursday flagged the proposed screening of a documentary on jailed activist Umar Khalid at IIIT-Hyderabad, saying public exhibition of an uncertified film would violate the Cinematograph Act unless a specific exemption had been obtained.
What's still developing
- Tagging IIIT-Hyderabad, it said the institute's authorities "may take note for necessary action".
- The CBFC functions under the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry.