Freedom of Expression Should Not Be Forbidden; MPs Demand Screening Permission for 'The Voice of Hind Rajab'

New Delhi: At the international level, Members of Parliament (MPs) have expressed concern over the ambiguous stance of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) regarding granting a screening certificate for the movie The Voice of Hind Rajab. They sent a letter to Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw. The MPs who signed the letter include Dr. John Brittas (CPI(M)), Jairam Ramesh (INC), Manoj Kumar Jha (RJD), Haris Beeran (IUML), Ram Gopal Yadav (SP), Javed Ali Khan (SP), Dr. Sarfaraz Ahmed (JMM), and Rajathi (DMK).

The Voice of Hind Rajab, directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, is an Oscar-nominated work. The film is based on the true story of a Palestinian girl who was killed during the Gaza conflict in 2024. It has garnered significant international attention and critical acclaim. However, reports indicate that the CBFC has informed that the film will not be granted certification for release. MPs in their letter pointed out that blocking the film's release without valid reasons is an infringement on the freedom of expression.

According to the Cinematograph Act of 1952, the certification process must be transparent and rational. The MPs' letter emphasised that blocking films through verbal suggestions or informal bans undermines democratic values. They also stated that diplomatic relations or geopolitical interests should not influence film certification decisions. The goal of a democratic society should be to subject ideas and creations to open discussions.

The MPs urged the Ministry to provide necessary instructions to the CBFC to grant certification to The Voice of Hind Rajab in accordance with constitutional principles and to do so as soon as possible.