SAD (B) members hold out protest against Dera Sauda Sirsa chief's movie

General News

Controversial “Messenger of God” (MSG) sparks protests; Premier deferred

By Sikh Siyasat Bureau

January 16, 2015

Chandgiarh/ Haryana: The premier show of controversial “Messenger of God (MSG)” moive was deferred today in wake of widespread protests against the release of moive. Members of various organisations on held protests in Delhi and Haryana against the proposed screening of the film featuring controversial godaman and dera sauda sirsa chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in lead role. Dera chief is facing criminal charges including rape, murder and sexual abuse of sadhvis in a CBI court.

Sirsa cult chief’s movie was denied clearance certificate by CBFC but it was cleared by FCAT, an appellate authority, reportedly after interference of Information and Broadcasting Ministry of Indian government. CBFC chairperson Leela Samson also resigned today in protest to clearance given to the controversial moive. She resigned from her post while alleging interference by I&B ministry in CBFC affairs.

Members of various organisations on held protests in Delhi and Haryana against the proposed screening of the film featuring Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in lead role.

The district officials in Haryana and Punjab have been asked by respective state authorities to take necessary steps to maintain law and order in view of the alleged clearance to the movie, an official spokesman said.

Chandigarh administration has also decided to maintain a close vigil on the situation, he said.

Members of Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) and Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) raised slogans against the movie in front of Galaxy Mall at Ambala and said that they would not allow its screening.

The movie that was expected to hit theatres on Friday had been referred to Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) for clearance by the Censor Board on January 12.

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member Harpal Singh Pali, Haryana SAD (Badal) spokesman Sant Singh Kandahari and INLD leader Inderjit Singh were among those who led the protest, reports from Ambala said.