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Security for Fire is states' lookout, says Mahajan

While the controversial feature film Fire, which led to violent incidents and prolonged legal proceedings has been cleared for exhibition, the central government has said it cannot ensure its exhibition in theatres all over the country.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Pramod Mahajan said giving protection to theatres and viewers and ensuring smooth release was in the realm of the state government and was a matter of law and order. He said he had cleared the file a week ago after receiving a report from the Central Board of Film Certification.

It is understood that the CBFC has informed the ministry that it does not think that the film needs any further changes and has cleared the film as certified last year. The film, made in English and dubbed in Hindi, had earlier been granted an 'Adult' certificate by the CBFC, which is presently headed by yesteryear's actress Asha Parekh.

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, minister of state for I and B, had sent the film to the CBFC under the powers conferred on the central government vide rule 32(2) of the Cinematograph (certification) Rules 1983. The release of the film in November last year all over the country had led to violent demonstrations outside cinema halls in the capital and some cities of Maharashtra and Gujarat. The issue came up in Parliament and is also the subject matter of a public interest litigation in the Supreme Court.

The minister said today that cinema houses were free to re-release the film but would have to approach the respective police authorities or state governments. "I would come into the picture only if I were home minister in a state," he added in a jocular vein.

Following the demonstrations by Shiv Sainiks and others outside cinema halls and at the residence of thespian Dilip Kumar who had protested against the violent incidents, Home Minister L K Advani had assured action was being taken against the vandals. In a statement in Parliament, Advani said security being accorded to Kumar since 1991 had been further tightened.

The Supreme Court has sought reports from the Union of India and the Delhi and Maharashtra governments about the action taken in the wake of the violent incidents. It has also asked the authorities to give adequate security to all the six petitioners, including Dilip Kumar and Deepa Mehta who had approached the apex court for an order to ensure the smooth screening of the film.

UNI

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