New Delhi.
Censor Board chief Leela Samson has quit amidst reports that controversial film Messenger of God featuring Dera Sacha Sauda leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in lead role has been cleared by a tribunal despite objections.
The Censor Board had found the film “not suitable for public viewing.”
Leela Samson’s allegation of “interference, coercion and corruption” appeared to be directed at the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
According to Samson, “…having to manage an organisation whose Board has not met for over nine months as the ministry had no funds to permit the meeting of members.”
The Union Home Ministry has been concerned that the release of the film may evoke protests from some quarters as certain Sikh organisations have been opposing the movie. The Home Ministry had sent an advisory to states that “various Sikh organisations and individuals are opposing the movie on the ground that its release would disturb the communal harmony and law and order.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson of Sirsa (Haryana)-based Dera Sachcha Sauda said “as per our information, FCAT has cleared the movie for release. But a written order is awaited.”
