Thiruvananthapuram: The state govt has informed the state human rights commission (SHRC) that it has written to the Union ministry of information and broadcasting seeking stronger censorship measures, citing concerns that certain Malayalam films may be encouraging drug abuse and violent behaviour.Cultural affairs department secretary made the submission, in response to a public interest petition seeking stricter regulation of films depicting violence, based on the directions of SHRC chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas.According to the govt’s report, complaints have been received alleging that the increasing portrayal of drug use and violence in some Malayalam films is influencing young audiences and contributing to rising substance abuse and violent incidents. In view of these concerns, the state has requested Centre to consider legal and ethical interventions to strengthen the existing film certification and censorship framework.The report pointed out that CBFC is the statutory authority responsible for certifying films for public exhibition. It added that complaints received by the state govt were forwarded to the regional office of the CBFC for appropriate action.The govt further stated that unrestricted depiction of violence in films raised serious public concerns, prompting it to urge the Union information and broadcasting minister to strengthen the censorship mechanism.After considering the report, Justice Alexander Thomas directed the cultural affairs secretary to continue bringing such issues to the notice of the Union ministry of information and broadcasting whenever similar concerns arise.
