The Delhi High Court has directed the Union government and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to treat a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning the film “Dhurandhar: The Revenge” as a representation, addressing the petitioner’s apprehensions about the movie potentially revealing sensitive tactical information related to India’s intelligence and defence operations.
The Chenab Times has learned that a bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia acknowledged the gravity of the concerns raised by a personnel of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in his PIL, noting that while films are primarily for entertainment, their societal impact cannot be disregarded. The court expressed the view that the Censor Board ought to have established guidelines to address such issues.
In its oral observations, the bench stated, “The Censor Board should have some guidelines. We want you to consider this representation and take an informed decision.” Subsequently, the court issued a formal order disposing of the writ petition. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the CBFC were instructed to consider the entirety of the writ petition as the petitioner’s representation and to render an appropriate decision on the matters put forth.
The court further mandated that the authorities communicate their decision on the petitioner’s representation, along with any corrective measures decided upon, directly to him. The petitioner’s primary contention was that the film, reportedly starring Ranveer Singh, violates the Official Secrets Act. He argued that the movie depicts tactical operations, sensitive locations, and intelligence agents in excessive detail, with certain scenes allegedly compromising national security by revealing information detrimental to the country’s interests.
The petitioner elaborated that the film’s portrayal of actions and characters modelled on high-ranking officials and deceased servicemen is so explicit that it is not in the nation’s best interest. He also pointed out that the movie revisits certain successful military operations. Furthermore, the PIL highlighted objections to the film’s use of “classified protocols” in specific scenes and its depiction of “deep cover identities,” asserting that these elements have directly jeopardized the safety of on-field undercover agents and have led to local authorities in Karachi being placed on high alert for espionage activities.
Consequently, the PIL sought the establishment of a specific “spy movies protocol” designed to prevent the public exhibition of methods employed by the country’s agents. It also prayed for the revocation of the certification previously granted to “Dhurandhar: The Revenge.” The petitioner additionally requested a stay on the film’s broadcast across all cinema halls and Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms pending a review.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
