CBFC toothless, new laws needed to monitor content online: Bench

The Division Bench comprising Justice S Nagamuthu and Justice Anita Sumanth which closed an habeas corpus petition seeking to produce a minor girl, who had gone missing in Myailaduthurai, has also directed the State Government to bring appropriate legislation to regulate publicity materials such as posters and flex boards. the Government to create officers with required powers to curtail the menace of showing uncensored scenes in films.

The matter relates to the missing girl, who after being traced divulged to the bench that she eloped with a boy on being influenced by certain Tamil movies wherein the heroine marries the boy, stalking her. But in this case, the boy sexually exploited her resulting in her getting pregnant. 

Based on this, the bench had summoned the Regional Officer, Central Board of Film Certification, on the films spoiling the young minds and how they escape Censor Board. 

However, the Regional Officer, in his counter affidavit, had stated that the Board is strictly implementing the rules but it is the audio-visual contents of disturbing nature appearing in the YouTube and other networks that are influencing the young minds.

But the bench on observing that the Censor Board lacks tooth, said, “With advanced technology being used in film industry, the Cinematography Act, in its present form, may not be effective. It needs amendments to meet current needs.” Then, the bench directed the Government to create officers with required powers to curtail the menace of showing uncensored scenes in films.