Eight Members of Parliament have written to Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressing concern over the Central Board of Film Certification’s oral refusal to certify the film The Voice of Hind Rajab, calling for urgent intervention.
The MPs said the alleged informal denial of certification effectively prevents the film’s public exhibition and raises questions about transparency and adherence to constitutional principles.
They urged the government to ensure that the film is examined strictly within the statutory framework governing freedom of expression.
Distributor Manoj Nandwana of Jai Viratra Entertainment said the film was being held back as it is “very sensitive,” adding that a CBFC member informally conveyed concerns that its release could strain India-Israel ties.
The MPs questioned whether such considerations fall outside the legal framework for film certification.
The film, directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, is based on the real-life story of a five-year-old Palestinian girl who was trapped in a car attacked by Israeli forces in Gaza and later found dead. It has received international recognition and has been Oscar-nominated.
The letter was signed by John Brittas, Jairam Ramesh, Ram Gopal Yadav, Javed Ali Khan, Manoj K. Jha, Salma, Haris Beeran, and Sarfaraz Ahmed, representing multiple political parties.
In their communication, the MPs said that any denial of certification through informal or opaque means undermines institutional credibility and erodes public confidence in regulatory bodies.
They stressed that the Cinematograph Act, 1952, mandates a transparent and reasoned process for certification decisions.
They also argued that disagreement with a film’s perspective cannot be a valid ground to restrict its exhibition, and warned that reliance on perceived geopolitical sensitivities would set an undesirable precedent. Calling the issue larger than a single film, they said it touches upon India’s commitment to democratic values, artistic freedom, and open public discourse.