The Secretary, Ministry Of ... vs Cricket Association Of Bengal & ... on 9 February, 1995
be suppressed unless the situations created by allowing the freedom are pressing and the
community interest is endangered. The anticipated danger should not be remote, conjectural or
far-fetched. It should have proximate and direct nexus with the expression. The expression of
thought should be intrinsically dangerous to the public interests. It should be inseparably locked up
with the action contemplated like the equivalent of a "spark in a powder keg". Though movie enjoys
the guarantee under Article 19 [1] (a), there is one significant difference between the movie and
other modes of communication. Movie motivates thought and action and assures a high degree of
attention and retention. In view of the scientific improve- ments in photography and production, the
present movie is a powerful means of communication. It has a unique capacity to disturb and arouse
feelings. It has much potential for evil as it has for good. With these qualities and since it caters for
mass audience who are generally not selective about what they watch, the movie cannot be equated
with other modes of communication. It cannot be allowed to function in a free marketplace just as
does the newspaper or magazines. Censorship by prior restraint is, therefore, not only desirable but
also necessary. But the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution does not permit any prior
restraint, since the guarantee of free speech is in unqualified terms. Censorship is permitted mainly
on the ground of social interests specified under Article 19 [2] with emphasis on maintenance of
values and standards of society. Therefore, censorship with prior restraint must necessarily be
reasonable that could be saved by the well accepted principles of judicial review. The standard to be
applied by the board or courts for judging the film should be that of an ordinary man of common
sense and prudence and not that of an out of the ordinary or hypersensitive man. The board should
exercise considerable circumspection on movies affecting the morality or decency of our people and
cultural heritage of the country. The moral values in particular, should not be allowed to be
sacrificed in the guise of social change or cultural assimilation. The path of right conduct shown by
the great sages and thinkers of India and the concept of 'Dharam' [righteousness in every respect],
which are the bedrock of our civilisation, should not be allowed to be shaken by unethical standards.
But this does not mean that the censors should have an orthodox or conservative outlook. Far from
it, they must be responsive to social change and they must go with the current climate. However, the
censors may display more sensitivity to movies which will have a markedly deleterious effect to
lower the moral standards of those who see it.
16. However, the producer may project his own message which the others may not approve of it. But
he has a right to 'think out' and put the counter-appeals to reason. It is a part of a democratic give
and take to which one could complain. The State cannot prevent open discussion and open
expression, however hateful to its policies. Everyone has a fundamental right to form his own
opinion on any issue of general concern. He can form and inform by any legitimate means. The
democracy is a government by the people via open discussion. The democratic form of government
itself demands its citizens an active and intelligent participation in the affairs of the community. The
public discussion with people's participation is a basic feature and a rational process of democracy
which distinguishes it from all other forms of government.
17. Dealing with the film in question, the Court further observed that the film in the present case
suggests that the existing method of reservation on the basis of caste is bad and reservation on the
basis of economic backwardness is better. The film also deprecates exploitation of people on caste
consideration. This is the range and rigours of the film. There is no warrant for the view that the
Indian Kanoon - http://indiankanoon.org/doc/539407/
10