CBFC flags proposed screening of documentary on Umar Khalid at IIIT-Hyderabad

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on Thursday flagged the proposed screening of a documentary on jailed activist Umar Khalid at IIIT-Hyderabad, saying public exhibition of an uncertified film would violate the Cinematograph Act unless a specific exemption had been obtained.

The International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIIT-H), however, distanced itself from the proposed screening. It said neither the institute nor any of its recognised students' bodies had organised or hosted any screening of a film uncertified by the CBFC.

The documentary, "Prisoner No. 626710 is Present", directed by filmmaker Lalit Vachani, was proposed to be screened by a group of students at the institute's KRB Auditorium at 8 pm on Friday. Sources said the students have now decided to cancel the screening.

Also Read: ABVP urges Centre to cancel Umar Khalid documentary in NLSIU

"Public screening of a documentary film that has not yet been certified by the CBFC is a violation of the Cinematograph Act unless a specific exemption has been sought under the Act," the CBFC posted on X.

Tagging IIIT-Hyderabad, it said the institute's authorities "may take note for necessary action".

The CBFC functions under the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

In its statement, IIIT-H said it "categorically clarifies that neither the Institute nor any of its recognised student clubs, cells or organisations has organised or hosted any screening of any film uncertified by the Central Board of Film Certification".

"IIIT Hyderabad has established processes governing official events and activities on campus, and any claim attributing an unauthorised or unrelated activity to the Institute or its recognised student bodies is factually incorrect," it said.

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The institute said it has a large and diverse student community and students and faculty may meet or interact with people in their individual capacities.

"Such personal interactions or visits, where they occur, should not be construed as Institute-organised events, nor do they represent the views or activities of the Institute," it said.

The development comes days after a proposed screening of the same documentary at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bengaluru was postponed following opposition from the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

The NLSIU screening, organised by its student-run Law and Society Committee, was scheduled for September 14 to mark Political Prisoners' Day and six years of Khalid's incarceration.