NEW DELHI: A group of Parliament MPs has written to Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw, expressing concern over reports that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has declined certification to the film 'The Voice of Hind Rajab', preventing its public exhibition in India without a written order.
The signatories include Jairam Ramesh, John Brittas, Ram Gopal Yadav, Manoj Kumar Jha, Rajathi, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Haris Beeran and Javed Ali Khan. They urged the government to direct the CBFC to examine the film in line with constitutional principles on freedom of expression and grant certification at the earliest.
The MPs said denial of certification raises concerns about transparency, due process and artistic freedom. They noted that the Cinematograph Act, 1952 provides for a structured and reasoned certification process, and decisions on film exhibition must follow statutory principles.
The letter said the Tunisian-produced film, directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, is an internationally recognised and Oscar-nominated work based on the real-life killing of a Palestinian child during the 2024 Gaza conflict, and has received wide critical attention.
The MPs stated that artistic expression should not be restricted through informal or extra-legal means. They added that India’s tradition supports diverse thought and artistic interpretation, and said engaging with difficult subjects strengthens democratic discourse. They cautioned that decisions based on factors outside legal provisions, including geopolitical concerns, would set an undesirable precedent.
The MPs expressed hope that the government will take steps to uphold the integrity of the certification process and reaffirm commitment to freedom of expression.