Censor Board should certify film songs’ lyrics: Panel

society.

The committee has recommended that while the visual content and the dialogues that precede and succeed such songs are subject to certification,it is only logical to include the lyrics in the ambit of scrutiny, sources said.

Noting that the Cinematograph Act of 1952 was enacted at a time when there were fewer cinema halls,and that the medium of cinema has now undergone a transformation,the panel,headed by former Chief Justice of the Haryana and Punjab High Court,recommended that the definition of film in the Act should be changed to include songs,lyrics and advertising material,a source added.

It said that in the past the sole endeavour was conducting a successful screening of the film,while now a series of parallel events is associated with it; the audio release of the films songs being one.

The panel stressed that while the films are restricted to an age-specific audience in theatres,songs are promoted and broadcast in the public domain,including radio,public functions and restaurants.

A source said the panel also suggested adding provisions in the Act to clarify that state governments could not suspend exhibition of films as the sanctioning of the films for exhibition comes under the ambit of the Centre alone.