Obtain NOC Before Telecasting Any Movie/ Web Series Based On Army Theme: Defence Ministry Writes To CBFC [Read Letter]

A letter in this regard has been sent by the Ministry to the CBFC to prevent the production houses from "distorting the image of the Army". The Ministry has urged that the persons concerned may be advised to prevent "any incident which distorts the image of Defence Forces or hurts their sentiment."

A copy of the letter has also been sent to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for consideration.

Recently, a PIL was filed before the Allahabad High Court seeking a blanket ban on streaming of a web series produced by Ekta Kapoor, allegedly for disrespecting the Indian Army and their uniforms.

Plea In Allahabad HC Against Ekta Kapoor Production House For Indecent Representation Of Wives' Of Indian Army Officers & Disrespecting Army Uniform

Taking exception to the depiction of an Army officer's wife as an adulterous woman in Episode one of "XXX - Season 2", the plea filed by the brother-in-law of an Indian soldier stated,

"The depiction in broadcasting of this episode sends out the message that the wives of the officers of Indian Army indulge themselves in extra-marital affairs and performs Adultery behind the backs of the officers when they are serving the nation."

It was contended that portrayal of lives of army officers' spouse in such a derogatory light may cause "irreparable damage" to the mental peace and psychological health of the soldiers and may negatively impact their performance.

The Petitioner, represented by Advocates Ankur Verma, Abhinav Gaur and Dhananjai Rai, had stated that while Freedom of Expression is a fundamental right, reasonable restrictions on speech, as contained under Article 19(2) of the Constitution must also be observed.

It was submitted that the armed forces are a special service and they need differentiated treatment, in terms of Article 33 of the Indian Constitution.

"This very article that takes away the basic right from armed forces implicitly expects safeguard of at least the honour of forces. Those safeguarding the country cannot be exposed to insults and mocking," the plea states while urging the court to stop the broadcast/ airing of the Web Series on the online platform ALT Balaji and any other platform where it is being broadcasted.