The Shyam Benegal-headed committee constituted by the Information and Broadcasting ministry to look holistically into the functioning of the censor board submitted its report to I&B minister Arun Jaitley. The panel was set up on January 1 to take a relook at the functioning of the controversy-ridden board, headed by Pahlaj Nihalani.

The committee was asked to take note of the best practices in various parts of the world, especially where the film industry is given sufficient and adequate space for creative and aesthetic expression. It was also asked to recommend broad guidelines under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act for the benefit of the chairperson and other members of the Screening Committee.

Apart from Mr Benegal, the panel includes actor Kamal Hassan, filmmaker Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra, Piyush Pandey, Goutam Ghose, Bhawana Somaaya and senior officials of the I&B ministry.

The committee, however, suggested that the Central Board of Film Certification can refuse certification if a film contains anything that contravenes the provisions of Section 5B (1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952.

As per this section, a film shall not be certified if the competent authority feels that it or a part of it is against the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or involves defamation or contempt of court or is likely to incite the commission of any offence.