Refused NOC For Film On Gay Officer As It Would Show Indian Army In Poor Light, Raises Security Issues: Defence Ministry

Director Onir had recently expressed disappointment over the refusal of NOC for his film 'We Are', which was planned to be a sequel to his 2010 film 'I AM'.

Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence on Friday stated that the Indian Army refused to grant NOC for a film based on the life of a gay officer (Retd) as it would show the armed force "in poor light" and it raises "security issues".

It comes as the Ministry informed Lok Sabha about the status of proposals received by the Indian Army for grant of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from filmmakers/producers for the production of movies on defence-related themes.

Previously, Director Onir had informed the media that his film 'We Are', a sequel to his 2010 film 'I AM' was denied a NOC because it showed a gay officer.

In a written response to Varun Gandhi, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt in Lok Sabha stated that the reason for refusal for granting NOC for the film is the portrayal of a "romantic relationship between an Army soldier serving in Kashmir and a local boy" which casts Indian Army in "poor light and raises security issues".

"The rationale behind issuing NOC to filmmakers/producers for movies based on defence-related themes is to ensure that the Armed Forces are not depicted in a manner which brings disrepute to the Armed Forces/Government/Country, as also to ensure factual accuracy and that no classified matters are brought out in the open domain that could effect in security of the country," the Defence MoS stated, as mentioned in a release by the Ministry of Defence. 

According to the details provided by the Ministry, the Indian Army has granted 16 NOCs between the period from January 1, 2021, to January 31, 2022. It includes nine feature films and seven documentaries/TV series. The Army rejected approval for one feature film while NOC for another film is pending.

"The approval process is not arbitrary/discriminatory in nature nor does it violate Article 14 of the Constitution of India. Each case is considered based on its own merits keeping in view the factors like national security, the defence of India, situation of law and order in the country/various states, maintenance of discipline in the Armed Forces, ethos/customs of military service and general sentiments of the citizens and image of the Armed Forces in the minds of the citizens of India/general public," MoS Ajay Bhatt stated.

He further mentioned that "The approval process is not violative of freedom of speech and expressions, guaranteed under Article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution of India.  The freedom of speech and expression is also subject to reasonable restrictions that may be required for safeguarding the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States and public order, decency or morality, or incitement to an offence etc."

Director Onir On Refusal Of NOC For 'We Are'

Director Onir had recently expressed disappointment over the refusal of NOC for his film 'We Are'.

Sharing his response to the Defence Ministry's statement, Onir wrote on Twitter: "So a soldier and a local girl (like Yahaan)! Would be ok. But a Gay man can’t have any sentiments. Homophobia shows its ugly face".

"And all I wanted to do is show that a Gay man is as patriotic and capable of serving in the army like anyone else. And we also happen to fall in love. BUT then YOUR love is supposed to be Beautiful and accepted ... But it seems that OUR love is Unacceptable," he added.

In another tweet, Onir claimed that he was not informed about the concern on security issues. "I was just told that being gay in army is illegal," he wrote.

Earlier, speaking to India Today, the filmmaker had revealed that an interview of an Army Major who had quit Indian Army inspired him to write the We Are's script. Citing the interview, Onir said the retired officer "had to hide his sexuality and it became impossible for him after a point to continue".

"I am just hoping that the army authority realises how unfair and ridiculous this is. This is only making the army not progressive and does not celebrate inclusion, diversion, and diversity," he told India Today, expressing his disappointment over the Army's decision.

NOCs By Indian Navy, IAF

The Defence Ministry's statement on Friday also mentioned that "1 proposal for the NOC has been received by Indian Navy during the last ten years which is pending".

Indian Air Force (IAF) received five proposals for NOCs in 2019, two in 2020 and six in 2021. "None of the proposals have been rejected by the IAF. Apart from above, 2 more NOCs were sought from Ministry of Defence which were granted," the Ministry stated.