SC notice to Centre on plea by actor-director Amol Palekar

The Supreme Court on Monday sought response from Union government on a plea by noted Hindi film actor and director Amol Palekar challenging pre-censorship of films.

A bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan issued notice to Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry on the petition, also seeking direction to implement recommendations of the Shyam Benegal committee.

The petitioner, represented by senior advocate Gopal Subramanium, contended the Censor Board does not have a member with judicial background, resulting into persistent neglect of fundamental right to speech and expression.

In his petition, Palekar, among others, challenged provisions of the Cinematography Act, saying in the age of internet, pre censorship has become irrelevant.