CPI(M)  Polit Bureau has issued the following statement on July 1

THE proposed amendments to the Cinematography Act by the Modi government is an all-out assault on the creative talents of film makers and the constitutional right of freedom of expression. The central government wants to add a provision to give it the right to “revisionary powers” on account of violation of Section 5B (1) (principles for guidance in certifying films) of the Act. This is tantamount to withdrawing films already certified and closed. Recently we have seen the right-wing forces led by the Hindutva brigade and casteist groups indulging in mob censorship of films not to their liking. Now the government itself wants the powers to stop films critical of its ideology. As it is, the autonomous powers of the Film Censor Board have been subverted in various ways by the I&B ministry. In April, the appellant body to which film makers could appeal against cuts by the Censor Board to their films was arbitrarily dissolved by the ministry.

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) strongly opposes these atrocious amendments designed to throttle cinematic talent and freedom. It demands the restoration of the appellate tribunal as demanded by noted film makers. It supports the struggle of those in the film industry who have courageously raised their voice against this assault on democracy and freedom of expression.