Udta Punjab verdict: Bombay High Court clears the film with just one cut and two changes

Today morning, Bollywood Hungama had reported about the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) clearing the controversial film Udta Punjab with 13 cuts under A Category, while the films makers were waiting for Bombay High Court to pass the order today.

The latest update on the same is that Bombay High Court has now cleared Udta Punjab with just one cut, two changes, a revised disclaimer and to drop reference made to Pakistan. Additionally, it will be directing the CBFC to provide A certificate within 48 hours with only 1 cut. The scene that has been cut from the film is where Tommy Singh (name of character played by Shahid Kapoor) urinates in front of a crowd. The High Court reasoned that they did not find this scene necessary.

Speaking about the verdict, Shahid Kapoor tweeted stating "Landmark judgement #UdtaPunjab will fly and so will the voice of freedom and expression. Thank you all for the support. This is your victory". The films producer Anurag Kashyap said that they were massively relieved by (High Courts) order and were looking forward to release film. On the other hand, Anurag Kashyaps lawyer said that the verdict was a vindication of freedom of speech and expression and their stand.

Before giving its much awaited decision, the High Court observed that by referring to Punjab, the sovereignty of India or its integrity was not questioned in the film and that no one could dictate the filmmaker how to make the film. The High Court also maintained that there was no reason to delete the Punjab sign board in the film and that it was totally on the filmmakers to choose the setting for a film. Additionally, it also believed that while Udta Punjab portrayed the easy availability of drugs, its makers indicated that they did not support drugs.

With the said decision, Udta Punjab is slated to release as per schedule on 17 June, 2016.