Goa too bans The Code

GOA today joined the list of states that have banned The Da Vinci Code. The government took the decision in a Cabinet meeting held in the afternoon. CM Pratapsinh Rane announced it shortly after the meeting. The decision was taken considering ‘‘public sentiments’’.

Several Christian organisations have been up in arms against the controversial film. It was not released in Goa when it was released in several other states. Last week, a multiplex in Goa, Inox, started screening the movie. But it withdrew following protests. The management had also said that the step was taken to respect public sentiments. Congress MP (South) Churchill Alemao had earlier warned about a possible storming of the multiplex.

In the last meeting, the state Cabinet had decided to write to the Censor Board and Information and Broadcasting Ministry asking them not to release the film.

Vishnu Wagh, General Secretary of GPCC and Vice president of Rajiv Kala Mandir, a state-controlled culture body, however, said the ban was an attack on the freedom of expression.