Pahlaj Nihalani appointed as new Censor Board chairperson
He has been appointed to the post for a period of three years.
The government also reconstituted the board with nine members that include BJP leader Vani Tripathi Tikoo.
"In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 (37 of 1952) read with rule 3 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983, the Central Government is pleased to appoint Shri Pahlaj Nihalani as Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification in an honorary capacity from 19th January, 2015 for a period of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier," the government said in a press note.
The new appointments became necessary after former CBFC chairman Leela Samson quit the post amid controversy over the film "MSG: The Messenger of God".
Altogether, nine Censor Board members resigned on Saturday.
Samson’s resignation came following the controversy over the film “MSG: the Messenger of God” starring Dera Sachcha Sauda group chief Gurmeet Singh Ram Rahim, the clearance of which was objected by the Board.
Samson, who said the film that shows the Dera chief as a swashbuckling hero was not suitable for public viewing, alleged corruption and interference of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry in her resignation letter.
In a statement Samson cited "interference, coercion and corruption of panel members and officers of the organisation appointed by the Ministry" as the cause of her resignation.
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