NEW DELHI: A day after Censor Board chief Leela Samson quit over clearance to controversial film Messenger of God, featuring Dera Saccha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in the lead role, the government of India denied any interference in the board’s functioning. There was no government interference in clearing the film Messenger of God”, minister of state for Information and Broadcasting, Rajyavardhan Rathore told reporters in New Delhi on Friday, 16 Jan.
Commenting on Ms. Samsons resignation, the minister said, This is her personal choice, the government has no comment on it. He also said, The Censor Board is an independent body, it needs to behave like one, and that the decision of the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) over the film should be final and accepted by all.
Amidst reports that the film has been cleared by FCAT, the Censor Board chief had resigned on Thursday night. Asked if she was aware of media reports that the Tribunal had cleared the film’s screening, Samson told Press Trust of India I hear so. Nothing in writing yet. It is a mockery of Central Board of Film Certification. My resignation is final. Have informed the (I&B) Secretary”.
Asked why she has decided to quit, she did not specifically refer to the reported clearance to the film but said the reasons cited are alleged “interference, coercion and corruption of panel members and officers of the organisation who are appointed by the ministry.”
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