6 hrs ago
CBFC Flags Umar Khalid Documentary Screening at IIIT-Hyderabad
Students planned to show a documentary about Umar Khalid at IIIT-Hyderabad.
The film is called "Prisoner No.
626710 is Present" and was made by Lalit Vachani.
The film had not received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification.
The CBFC said showing it publicly could break India’s film rules unless an exemption had been granted.
It told IIIT-Hyderabad to take note of the issue.
The institute said it did not organise or host the event.
Sources said the students likely cancelled the screening.
A similar screening at a Bengaluru law school was postponed after opposition from ABVP.
The CBFC said publicly screening the uncertified documentary would violate the Cinematograph Act without an exemption.
The proposed film, "Prisoner No. 626710 is Present," focuses on jailed activist Umar Khalid and was directed by Lalit Vachani.
Students planned to screen the documentary at IIIT-Hyderabad’s KRB Auditorium at 8 pm on Friday.
IIIT-Hyderabad said neither it nor its recognised student bodies organised or hosted the screening.
Sources said the IIIT-Hyderabad screening was likely cancelled, while a similar NLSIU Bengaluru event was postponed after ABVP opposition.
- Who
- The CBFC, IIIT-Hyderabad, student organisers, filmmaker Lalit Vachani and activist Umar Khalid are central to the dispute.
- What
- A proposed screening of the uncertified documentary "Prisoner No. 626710 is Present" at IIIT-Hyderabad was flagged by the CBFC.
- Where
- The proposed screening was to take place at IIIT-Hyderabad’s KRB Auditorium; a similar event was postponed at NLSIU Bengaluru.
- When
- The CBFC issued its warning on Thursday; the proposed screening was scheduled for 8 pm on Friday.
- Why
- The CBFC cited restrictions on publicly exhibiting uncertified films, while the screening was proposed in connection with Political Prisoners’ Day.
Regulatory and Institutional Position
Student and Expression Position
Screening legality
Regulatory and Institutional Position
The CBFC said publicly exhibiting a film that had not been certified would violate the Cinematograph Act unless an exemption had been obtained.
Student and Expression Position
Students proposed screening the documentary on campus, but the articles do not say that they had obtained an exemption.
Institute responsibility
Regulatory and Institutional Position
IIIT-Hyderabad said the event was not organised or hosted by the institute or any recognised student body, and said claims attributing it to the institute were incorrect.
Student and Expression Position
The proposed student event was scheduled in an IIIT-Hyderabad auditorium, although the institute said students and faculty could interact in their individual capacities.
Campus screening debate
Regulatory and Institutional Position
ABVP opposed the earlier NLSIU Bengaluru screening, alleging that it would use the campus for political propaganda.
Student and Expression Position
The NLSIU student committee cited logistical and security considerations for postponing the event, while saying it was not backing down because of pressure and planned to hold it later.
Key facts
- Documentary
- "Prisoner No. 626710 is Present"
- Director
- Lalit Vachani
- Proposed venue
- KRB Auditorium, IIIT-Hyderabad
- Certification status
- The documentary had not been certified by the CBFC.
- CBFC position
- Public exhibition of an uncertified film requires a specific exemption under the Cinematograph Act.
- IIIT-Hyderabad position
- The institute said it and its recognised student bodies did not organise or host the screening.
- Related screening
- An NLSIU Bengaluru screening was postponed after opposition from ABVP.
Quotes
Central Board of Film Certification
India’s film-certification authority
“Public screening of a documentary film that has not yet been certified by the CBFC is a violation of the Cinematograph Act unless a specific exemption has been sought under the Act.”
rediff.com
indianexpress.com
IIIT-Hyderabad
The Hyderabad-based educational institute
“categorically clarifies that neither the Institute nor any of its recognised student clubs, cells or organisations has organised or hosted any screening of any film uncertified by the Central Board of Film Certification”
rediff.com
Sources
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