HC tells operators to remove flash; broadcasters to give undertaking

Mumbai, Aug 30 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today directed broadcasters to give an undertaking that they will abide by the December 21, 2005 court order.

A division bench comprising Justices R M Lodha and S A Bobde were hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Professor Pratibha Nathani of St Xavier's College alleging that films without certification by the Censor Board for Film Certification (CBFC) allowing 'free public exhibition', were being shown on cable channels, which had a bad impact on young children. Hence such films should not be shown and action be taken against those still running such content on their channels.

A cable subscriber, Rajnikant Gaikwad today told the court that channels like HBO and Star Movies were not being aired, while a flash appeared on the screen stating that this was in accordance with the orders of the High court.

However, the court stated that it had not prohibited the channels from running but it had directed the cable operators to show only 'U' and 'U/A' certified films. And therefore directed the cable operators to remove the flash.

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