The Delhi high court on May 20 remarked that the Central Board of Film Certification should have some guidelines related to spy films, after a PIL filed by a serving Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel expressed concerns over Dhurandhar: The Revenge revealing tactical and sensitive information on the country’s intelligence and defence operations. The PIL sought framing of a ‘spy movies protocol’.
“The concerns raised by the petitioner need to be considered and addressed appropriately,” the court said, adding that although films are meant for entertainment, they do have an impact. The HC disposed of the PIL but directed the I & B ministry and the CBFC “to consider the writ petitions as representation… and take appropriate decision on issues raised”.
The PIL contended that the film violated the Official Secrets Act as it showed tactical operations, sensitive locations and agents in “depth”, and that it had “compromised the safety of undercover agents” and led to local authorities in Karachi being on “spy alert”.
