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The court rejected filmmaker Shyam Bharteey’s appeal against the CBFC’s refusal to certify his film ‘Masoom Kaatil’
A view of Delhi High Court building in New Delhi. (PTI file photo)
In a recent ruling, the Delhi High Court stated that films mocking religion, promoting hatred, or endangering social harmony should not receive certification in a diverse and secular society.
The observation was made when the court rejected an appeal by filmmaker Shyam Bharteey, who had challenged the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) decision to deny certification for his Hindi film ‘Masoom Kaatil‘.
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“In a diverse, secular society, certification cannot be granted to a film that ridicules religions, incites hatred, or threatens social harmony,” Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora stated in his ruling, Live Law reported.
Justice Arora noted that the film promotes taking the law into one’s own hands, which could damage public trust in the legal system and suggest that violence is acceptable. “The exhibition of unchecked gore content as shown in the subject matter film is far from promoting social values and would instead brutalize minds and normalize lawlessness,” the judge said.
The court found that ‘Masoom Kaatil‘ contains violent scenes involving humans and animals, as well as insulting references to various communities and derogatory remarks about religions. The film also includes caste-based and communal statements. These elements violate several rules under the 1991 film certification guidelines, which prohibit any film likely to promote communal disharmony or offend religious sentiments.
“When such dangerous ideas are combined with graphic scenes of killing and cannibalism, the subject matter film could seriously upset public peace and encourage others to act violently, putting the safety of society at risk,” the court added.
The filmmaker had requested the film be certified with an ‘A’ (adult) rating and suggested cuts, but did not challenge the factual findings by the certification committees. The court agreed with the CBFC that the film’s violence was excessive, gruesome, and lacked any redeeming value, making it unsuitable for public screening.
Justice Arora also raised concern over the depiction of minors as protagonists involved in violent and lawless acts without any moral correction. The court warned this could corrupt young viewers and glamorise juvenile wrongdoing, violating guidelines meant to protect children and vulnerable audiences.
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
September 11, 2025, 22:03 IST
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