This article provides additional details about the cancellation of a documentary screening at IIIT Hyderabad due to objections from the Central Board of Film Certification.
The International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIIT-H) cancelled a planned screening of a documentary about activist Umar Khalid on its campus following an objection from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
According to The News Minute, IIIT Hyderabad Director Sandeep Kumar Shukla confirmed the cancellation in an email to students hours after the CBFC's objection. The documentary, titled 'Prisoner No. 626710 is Present', had been planned for screening at the KRB Auditorium on Friday, five days after Political Prisoners’ Day.
In his email, Shukla stated that 'no public or private screening' in any institute space including 'any lab or classroom or offices will be allowed'. He also clarified that 'no permission for such a film show was sought' from the authorities and that the announcement of the screening to those on campus or outside was therefore 'not legitimate'.
The censor board had asked IIIT Hyderabad to take 'necessary action' against the screening of Prisoner No. 626710 is Present, as public screening of a documentary that has not yet been certified by the CBFC violates the 1952 Cinematograph Act unless a specific exemption has been sought under the act.
This incident is significant because it raises questions about freedom of speech and academic independence. It also highlights the role of government bodies in regulating content, particularly in educational institutions.
Source:
Scroll.in
