"Girlfriend", the Bollywood film that sparked controversy with its theme of lesbianism, was Thursday banned from being screened in this Sikh holy city and its surrounding areas.

District magistrate Raminder Singh issued an order banning the screening of the film in Amritsar district, saying it could lead to law and order problems. The film was to be released in cinema halls in the city Friday.

Singh said he had received a representation from the local unit of Shiv Sena, demanding a ban on the film as it was against Indian values.

The Shiv Sena had earlier led protests against the film in other Indian cities.