Director Prakash Jha refuses to show Aarakshan to National Commission for Schedule Castes

Prakash Jha's next film, Aarakshan that addresses the reservation issue, has got into yet another controversy.

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has asked for a screening to judge whether it is suitable for release.

However, the filmmaker is firm that he won't show it to anyone outside the Censor Board prior to release.

P L Punia, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the NCSC has issued a notice to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), asking that Jha be directed to show them the film before releasing it.

The letter further states that the commission is taking this step to ensure that the film does not misrepresent the constitutional stand and laws on reservation.

It is not required

Jha mains, "The laws of the country do not require me to show my film to any board or body, apart from the Censor Board.

The CB has been constituted to review films rate them according to viewing suitability, and address any other concerns."

"Once the film is submitted for censorship, it is the prerogative of the board, if it wants to involve any other body of people for advice, " Jha further adds.

About his film, he explained, "Aarakshan is a film about the ramifications of the reservation policy and the commercialisation of education as seen through the experiences of a particular group of people.

It explores various sides of the issue, through various characters. My intention has been to provide a fair and balanced comment on the issue."

He concluded saying: "The film is releasing on the independence day weekend, so we have enough time to go to the Censor Board for the censor certificate."