The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the Center and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to take a decision on a petition seeking a specific policy governing spy thrillers, even as the petition argued that the scenes in the film “Durandar: RevengeIt could have revealed information related to the armed forces that could jeopardize national security.
A bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia observed that though the film Dhurandhar: The Revenge has been stated as fictional and produced for entertainment purposes, its impact cannot be ignored, adding that there should be some guidelines laid down by the CBFC.
“The film is a work of fiction, made for entertainment purposes, but the impact of the film is undeniable. Suppose a film is made where there is a character committing suicide and a person in the same situation before the suicide searches for the process…. Can this be allowed? Even if it is fiction. He (the petitioner) says that the tactics of the army or the force to meet the challenges and secrets have been exposed, even if the film is fictional. This should be addressed. There should be some guidelines for the Censor Board,” he said. Bench said.
The court directed the Center and the CBFC to treat the petition filed by Deepak Kumar, an employee of Sashastra Seema Bal, as representative and take appropriate decision on it.
Appearing through lawyer Jagjit Singh, Kumar argued those scenes in the film Durandar: Revenge It was filmed in a way that could reveal information that harms the country’s security interests. The petition alleged that the explicit depiction of locations, operations and personalities allegedly modeled after high-ranking officials and slain officers was so detailed that although the film was presented as fiction, it could adversely affect national security and integrity.
The petition also referred to films such as Bottom bell, Magno mission, Al-Razi and Uri: Surgical strikeArguing that films depicting defense and military technologies should not place details of sensitive operations in the public domain.
“In view of the nature of the issue and concerns raised, we are of the view that the concerns raised by the petitioner need to be considered and addressed. Accordingly, we dispose of the matter with a direction that the competent authority of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the CBFC consider the entire petition as a representation and take appropriate decision on the issues raised therein. The decision and corrective measures, if any, if any, shall also be taken on consideration of the representation dated 23 March 2026,” the court said. Dispose of it under the aforementioned conditions.
