Censor Board must not be undermined: Benegal

New Delhi, May 22: Praising Catholic priests for acting reasonably in the 'Da Vinci Code' case, noted film maker and Rajya Sabha Member Shyam Benegal feels the Government move to consult them has the potential of creating some unhealthy traditions.

''May be in this case the information and Broadcasting Minister did the right thing in deciding to watch the movie with the priests, but such a kind of step has the danger of setting up a bad precedent against which we should guard,'' Mr Benegal said.

He was talking to UNI on the sidelines of a function held to welcome new MPs.

Mr Benegal said once the government had set up a body like the Central Board for Film Certification, it should have trust in it and should not undermine its authority.

''In the case of the Da Vinci Code, the representatives of the Catholic Church who were consulted acted reasonably, which was heartening for all those who are for freedom of expression, but suppose, if such a situation arises in the case of some other community and its representatives do not act in the same manner, what would happen then?'' ''Should we concede to the clergy the role of deciding what form of art was good or bad for society. What would happen to our arts then?'' said Mr Benegal.

Mr Benegal said the Censor Board has competent and distinguished people and experts from the film industry and they were capable of taking any decision regarding the social desirability of any film.

The Board has very clear mandate and guidelines on the matter and it should be trusted, added the film maker.

However, replying to a question rgarding the limit of freedom of expression, he said those who are using the mass media for their artistic expressions, should be a little cautious.

''In the modern day mass media your views are magnified, and they become instantly powerful, so the artistes should not lose sight of this fact.'' To a question on his role as a legislator now, Mr Benegal, who has recently been nominated to the House, said he was yet to figure out.

''It is an important job which came to me out of the blue. You have to act very responsibly. I would try to make the best use of my presence in the House for public benefit,'' said Mr Benegal.

UNI