Censor board should have protocol on spy movies: Delhi HC

NEW DELHI: The Delhi HC on Wednesday remarked that the "censor board should have some guidelines" related to spy movies, after a PIL filed by a serving Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel flagged concerns over Ranveer Singh-starrer 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' revealing tactical and sensitive information on the country's intelligence and defence operations, and sought framing of a 'spy movies protocol'. "The concerns raised by the petitioner need to be considered and addressed appropriately," a bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia said, adding although films are meant for entertainment, they do have an impact. The bench disposed of the PIL with a direction to the I&B ministry and Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) "to consider the entire writ petition as representation of the petitioner and take an appropriate decision on the issues raised". It asked the authorities to communicate their decision on the representation, and if any corrective measures are taken, to the petitioner. The PIL contended that the film violated the Official Secrets Act as it showed tactical operations, sensitive locations and agents in "depth", and some scenes even revealed information that is not in the interest of the country's security. The petitioner further argued that actions and characters modelled after high-ranking officials and martyred servicemen are so explicit in the film that it is not in the country's best interest, and even certain successful military operations are recalled in the movie. The petitioner also objected to the movie using "classified protocols" in certain scenes and depicting "deep cover identities". He claimed that the movie has "directly compromised the safety of our on-field undercover agents" and led to local authorities in Karachi being on "spy alert". The PIL sought framing of a protocol to prevent the showcasing of methods of the country's agents, and revocation of the certification granted to the movie.