HC directs CBFC to monitor TV serials

Mumbai, Jan 17 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to evolve a mechanism to censor television serials as obscene and adult content was being telecast on several channels.

A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice H L Gokhale and Justice V M Kanade were hearing a public interest litigation filed by activist Pratiba Naithani, who is a professor at the St.Xavier College here, alleging that no action was taken by the CBFC against the adult, violent and obscene content being telecast by various cable channels.

Advocate M M Vashi, on behalf of Naithani, contended that there was no 'body' to monitor the content of television serials even though the Cinamatography Act had provisions for the same.

In this context, he named serials like 'Bay Watch', telecast on Star World, and 'Sex and the City' on HBO.

However, the court observed that the government had more important things to do than monitor serials.

The Judges also highlighted the lack of manpower for the works.

'You have to be practical', they said.

UNI