Controversial list of cuss words withdrawn by Censor Board

A controversial list of cuss words that was circulated by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) soon after Pahlaj Nihalani took over as its chairperson has been withdrawn after a majority of members voted against it.

Sources said the issue was discussed at a meeting of the Board held yesterday in Mumbai where an overwhelming majority of the members felt that rather than banning such words, they should be looked in the context of the film.

"The issue was discussed and most members fovoured that the list be withdrawn. And since the overwhelming majority held this view, the decision was taken," a Board member, who had attended the meeting yesterday, said.

The controversial list banning the use of "objectionable" and "abusive" words was circulated by its chairperson Nihalani, but the Board had decided to hold its implementation after a massive controversy broke out and it was felt that more consultation is required.

The move to ban all the words in the list met with much opposition from film-makers and even the Information and Broadcasting is also understood to have been not too pleased with the controversies that emanated.

Apart from the issue related to the list banning certain words, the ministry is also understood to have discussed issues related to expediting the online certification of films.

"The Board also discussed a 'tatkal' scheme under which film-makers who want their film certified at a faster pace can apply for the same by a paying a certain fees," the member said.