K.V. Lakshmana Rao vs Regional Censor Board and Others

B. Subhashan Reddy, J.—This writ petition has been filed assailing the certification of the Telugu film titled as "English Pellam - East Godavari Mogudu". In the writ affidavit, several instances have been mentioned, by which, Mr. Ravishankar Jandhyala, learned Counsel for the petitioner submits that such scenes are not only indecent but contemptuous and opposed to public morality. The iniplead petitioner is only aggrieved regarding the title "East Godavari Mogudu" and taking the name of the district as objectionable. At the outset, we reject this contention. Merely because it is titled as "East Godavari Mogudu" it cannot be called as offensive and it has to be taken in the sense a movie, is to be understood. As such, we do not see anything objectionable in the title.

Insofar as the scenes said to be objectionable, both visual and dialogues are concerned, after hearing the matter on last Friday, that is, 2-4-1999, we had viewed the picture arranged in a preview theatre in Film Chambers in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, on 3-4-1999. Hearing was resumed yesterday, that is 5-4-1999.

Mr. Ravishanker Jandhyala, learned Counsel for the petitioner enumerates five (5) instances which are objectionable. But we only feel that the last instance, that is, the scene dealing with lady judicial officer alone is objectionable and it is liable to be viewed seriously as it comes within the prohibited norms traceable under Article 19(2) of the Constitution of India.

In all fairness Mr. G. Raghuram, learned Counsel appearing for the producer, after consulting his client, has sought time till to-day to submit the revised version indicating some deletions. We again perused the matter after submission of the same. A memo is filed now along with the portion with dialogues to be retained after making deletions. In our considered view, these portions with dialogues, after deletions or the objectionable versions, can be permitted to be exhibited.

In the circumstances, there shall be a direction to the third respondent-V. Doraswamy Raju to see that while exhibiting the film titled "English Pellam - East Godavari Mogudu" either in the theatres or visual media, the undertaking which is given to this Court, is adhered to strictly and scrupulously. The first respondent-The Regional Censor Board, represented by its Chairman, A.C. Guards, Hyderabad, shall also issue written instructions to all the law enforcing authorities in this regard.

The writ petition is disposed of with these directions. No costs.