CBFC Objects to Umar Khalid Documentary Screening at IIIT-Hyderabad
The CBFC has flagged a proposed screening of a documentary on Umar Khalid at IIIT-Hyderabad, saying the uncertified film cannot be shown publicly.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has objected to a planned screening of a documentary on jailed scholar and activist Umar Khalid at the International Institute of Information Technology-Hyderabad (IIIT-Hyderabad).
The film, titled Prisoner No. 626710 is Present and directed by filmmaker Lalit Vachani, was proposed to be shown by a group of students at the KRB Auditorium on Friday at 8 PM. It centres on Khalid and his arrest in 2020.
In a post on X, the CBFC said a documentary that has not received certification cannot be publicly screened unless a specific exemption has been granted under the Cinematograph Act. The board tagged IIIT-Hyderabad and asked the institute to take note of the matter for necessary action.
Khalid, a Jawaharlal Nehru University scholar, was arrested in September 2020 in connection with the alleged larger conspiracy case related to the northeast Delhi riots. He faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and other provisions, and has remained in custody since his arrest.
The development follows the postponement of a proposed screening of the same documentary at the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru, after opposition from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad. An ABVP delegation met the Union Minister at Raj Bhavan and submitted a memorandum demanding that the screening be permanently cancelled and that the university revoke all permissions for it.