'Udta Punjab' censor row: Hearing in Bombay High Court underway

New Delhi: The ongoing battle between 'Udta Punjab' makers and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Pahlaj Nihalani took a legal turn when co-producers Phantom Films, filed a petition in Bombay High Court. The hearing of the plea filed is currently underway.

Reportedly, Phantom Films moved the court on Wednesday morning, seeking a copy of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Revising Committee order suggesting changes to the film set for a June 17 release.

Earlier, in the day while speaking to Times Now, CBFC chief accused Anurag Kashyap of being backed by political party AAP, to present the state of Punjab in bad light. However, when Anurag was contacted by the channel for his reaction, he chose to say, “It is a deliberate attempt to delay the film. Nihalani is behaving like a megalomaniac. Won't let him play god”.

the Revising Committee`s order was received in the afternoon, following which the petitioner requested the court for time to study the order dated June 6 and make amendments to the petition.

A division bench of Justice SC Dharmadhikari and Justice Shalini Phansalkar-Joshi allowed the plea and posted the matter for hearing on Thursday.

The Revising Committee`s order suggested 13 changes, besides deletion of references to Punjab as it was allegedly not in conformity with the Cinematograph Act.

Also, Bollywood stands united against the CBFC chief. Meanwhile, a press meet was held by the Director's Association where Anurag Kashyap, Mahesh Bhatt, Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt briefed the media besides several other biggies.

(With IANS inputs)