Karachi (HRNW) — Filmmakers have approached the Sindh High Court against the decision of the Sindh Board of Film Censors to deny permission for the screening of the film “Ghost School” in Sindh.
During the hearing, the court issued notices to the Sindh government and other respondents, seeking their responses by August 21.
Barrister Moez Baig, representing the petitioners, told the court that the Central Board of Film Censors and Punjab Board of Film Censors had already permitted the film’s screening, while the Sindh Board of Film Censors was refusing to grant approval for its release in the province.
The counsel argued that under the Sindh Motion Pictures Act, 2011, a film can only be denied a censor certificate on specific legal grounds. He said restrictions may apply where a film contains material against religion, national security, international relations or public morality.
According to the petitioners’ counsel, the Sindh censor board’s decision does not fall under any of the grounds specified in the law.
The lawyer said the film highlights the issue of “ghost schools” and has already received an award for Best Direction at an Asian Film Festival in the United Kingdom.
He further argued that the filmmakers were neither issued a show-cause notice nor given an opportunity to present their position before the decision was taken.
The Sindh High Court has sought responses from the respondents by August 21. Further proceedings will depend on the responses submitted before the court.
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Disclaimer:
This report is based on arguments presented before the court and available information. The allegations and legal grounds raised by the petitioners remain subject to the final decision of the court.
