New Delhi: The decision not to allow the release of the controversial Punjabi film "Kaum De Heere" on former prime minister Indira Gandhi`s assassination was taken in the larger interest and within the legal framework, the government said on Friday.
"I think the Censor Board Chairman has already narrated. So I do not need to make any further comments. It is within the legal framework that the decision is taken in the larger interest," Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar said.
He was briefing reporters on the sidelines of a three-day film festival "Fragrances from the North East" which was inaugurated here.
The government yesterday barred the release of "Kaum De Heere" citing apprehensions of law and order problems.
The decision was taken collectively by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Home Ministry and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) after watching the movie.
The Home Ministry had expressed reservation and serious concern over the contents of the film and asked the I&B Ministry to take a relook at the clearance given to it.
In a communication to the I&B Ministry, the Home Ministry said the film may affect the communal harmony in Punjab and other northern states.
The Home Ministry told the I&B Ministry that some of the content in the film was "highly objectionable" and may create enmity between communities and lead to communal tension.
The Punjab units of Congress and BJP had demanded a ban on the controversial film.
