Narendra Modi biopic ban order also applies to electronic media

The Election Commission order banning the screening of the biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi also applies to the electronic media.

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission order banning the screening of the biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi also applies to the electronic media. The poll panel which stalled the biopic said in the order that "any poster or publicity material concerning  any such certified content, which either depicts a candidate (including prospective) for the furtherance (or purported to further) of electoral prospects, directly or indirectly, shall not be put on display in electronic media in the area where MCC is in force". The EC has banned the release of the Modi biopic, saying any such film that subserves purpose of any political entity or individual should not be displayed in the electronic media. The order issued by the poll-panel added that in case of a violation, a committee constituted by the Commission would examine the same and suggest appropriate action. The committee would be headed by a retired Supreme Court judge or a retired Chief Justice of any high court. The poll panel said it had received complaints about certain films, namely "NTR Laxmi", "PM Narendra Modi" and "Udyama Simham", which "claimed to either diminish or advance the electoral prospect of a candidate or a political party in the garb of creative freedom". Though the display materials claimed "to be part of creative content, it has been contended that these have propensity and potentiality to affect the level playing field" which is "not in consonance with the provisions of model code of conduct", it said. The Commission added there is an emergent need for intervention in such political content "intended (or purported to be) for benefiting or discrediting the electoral prospects" of any candidate or political party, for ensuring a level playing field. (With inputs from agencies)