'Da Vinci Code' banned in Meghalaya

Shillong, Jun 2 (UNI) Hollywood blockbuster 'The Da Vinci Code' has been banned in Meghalaya.

Besides, the ban is also effective on private viewing and anyone found violating the law will be punished as per the provisions.

A screening committee of the General Administration Department (GAD), assigned to examine the issue finally suggested to the Congress-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government not to allow screening of the controversial movie in this Christian majority state.

GAD Minister HDR Lyngdoh today said the ban had been imposed with immediate effect as per the Assam Cinema Regulation Act, 1953, adopted by the Meghalaya government.

Video parlours and cable operators have also warned not to show the film.

Mr Lyngdoh said cinema hall owners agreed to respect sentiments of the Christian community and decided not to screen the movie.

''Taking into consideration the reports of the deputy commissioners and the appeal from various Church leaders we decided to ban its screening,'' he said.

Several prominent church leaders in Meghalaya had demanded ban on the film, even as it hit theatres elsewhere in the country following the clearance from the Central government.

''We are against the film as its content is blasphemous,'' said Rev Dominic Jala, Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church.

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