Nod denied to film on 'romantic relationship' of Indian Army jawan, local Kashmiri boy
India Today
Clearance has been denied to a film about a romantic relationship between an Army soldier serving in Kashmir and a local boy since it casts the Indian Army in a "poor light" and "raises security issues", the MoD said on Friday.
Ministry of Defence (MoD) has revealed that clearance was denied to a film that cast the Indian Army in a "poor light". The film was based on a relationship between a male Indian Army officer and a local Kashmiri boy.
BJP's Varun Gandhi, who represents Pilibhit in Lok Sabha, had sought a response from the government on why clearance was denied to the film based on an Army officer's life.
In response to his question, the MoD said in a written reply: "The reason for refusal to grant No Objection Certificate (NOC) is the portrayal of a romantic relationship between an Army soldier serving in Kashmir and a local boy which casts the Indian Army in a poor light and raises security issues."
The Ministry of Defence also stated that the approval process is not arbitrary/discriminatory in nature nor does it violate Article 14 of the Constitution of India.
"Each case is considered based on its own merits, keeping in view the factors like national security, the defence of India, situation of law and order in the country/various states, maintenance of discipline in the Armed Forces, ethos/customs of military service and general sentiments of the citizens and image of the Armed Forces in the minds of the citizens of India/general public," said the Defence ministry.
The MoD went on to add that the approval process is not violative of freedom of speech and expression, guaranteed under Article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution of India.
It said, "The freedom of speech and expression is also subject to reasonable restrictions that may be required for safeguarding the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States and public order, decency or morality, or incitement to an offence etc.
