Stop display of obscene film posters, says court

NAINITAL: Uttarakhand high court has directed the state government to ensure “obscene, nude and semi-nude posters” of films are not displayed in public places and there is no “glorification” of alcohol and drugs in songs, including folk and live shows, to promote morality and decency in the society.

The division bench of justice Lok Pal Singh and justice Rajiv Sharma gave these directions on Monday but the copy of the order was made available on Wednesday. The directions were issued while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Rakesh Kumar.

“Posters [of films] are vulgar and display nudity. There is an indecent representation of women, which is derogatory to women. These films are also shown by the pirated videos and DVD/CD. These movies are affecting the children of impressionable age,” the court said in its order.

“The posters are affixed at different public places open to public gaze, including minor children. The steps should be taken to ensure that there is no obscenity, nudity and semi-nudity in the films and glorification of wine, liquor and drugs in the songs,” it added.

The district administrations were also directed to ensure that children below the age of 12 years are not allowed inside cinema halls, multiplex and theatres exhibiting “A” certificate films as it is a violation of Cable Television Network Rules, 1994.

The court also took a judicial notice of the fact that “glorifying of liquor, wine, drugs etc has played havoc with the psyche of the children”.