The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Union government and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to examine the allegations that the film Dhurandhar 2 violated provisions of the Official Secrets Act by allegedly disclosing sensitive operational details relating to the armed forces.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia issued the directions while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Deepak Kumar, a Head Constable serving with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
The petitioner alleged that the Ranveer Singh-starrer contained depictions of military operations, strategic locations, and characters allegedly modelled on senior armed forces officials and deceased servicemen. According to the plea, such portrayals disclosed operational tactics and sensitive defence-related information in a manner that could adversely affect the security, sovereignty and integrity of the country.
The petition further alleged that the film revealed details of defence research projects allegedly connected to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and raised concerns about the possible disclosure of classified or confidential information protected under statutory law.
During the hearing, the High Court observed that although the film may be fictional and intended for entertainment purposes, the concerns raised by the petitioner regarding possible disclosure of operational details of the armed forces could not be ignored at the threshold stage.
The Bench noted that the impact of cinematic depictions involving defence establishments and military operations may extend beyond fictional storytelling and could require scrutiny from the regulatory authorities responsible for film certification and public exhibition.
The Court also observed that the CBFC may be required to evolve or apply appropriate guidelines while examining films involving military operations, defence strategy or national security concerns.
Without expressing any final opinion on the merits of the allegations, the High Court disposed of the PIL by directing the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) and the CBFC to treat the writ petition as a formal representation and take an informed decision in accordance with law.
The Court held that the concerns raised in the petition required appropriate consideration by the competent authorities, particularly in light of the issues related to national security and disclosure of sensitive information allegedly portrayed in the film.
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