Anuradha Raman's article "Censor and Sensibility" that appeared in The Hindu on 7 January 2016, critiques the government for its increasing interference in the film certification process. She raises relevant questions about the irony of the whole matter. This particular article is with reference to Shyam Benegal committee drawing up a framework for certifying films, which is itself formed by the Ministry of of Information and Broadcast.
Raman criticises the Indian state for acting like a Big Brother deciding what the nation should watch and what it shouldn't under the guise of protecting the nation from "the corrupt influences of cinema".
She roots her argument in the fact that every government, be it UPA or NDA, has manipulated the Ministry to their own benefit. She lists out various instances where filmmakers have been forced to make a cut because of the ruling party's agendas.
Raman calls for an apolitical certification committee whose members are appointed by the fraternity itself, similar to the model followed in the U.S. (Motion Picture Association of America) that can be adapted to suit the Indian sensibilities.
In a democratic country like ours, why do we need government-appointed people deciding what the nation should or should not watch is the question she raises.
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