The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Central Government and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to examine a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging that the Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar: The Revenge compromises national security by leaking highly sensitive defense and intelligence operations.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia ruled that the security concerns raised by the petitioner—an active Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel—cannot be dismissed lightly, noting that the movie’s potential real-world impact must be considered.
“The Censor Board should have some guidelines. We want you to consider this representation and take an informed decision,” the bench observed orally during the hearing.
Court Acknowledges National Security Concerns
While acknowledging that films are primarily produced for entertainment, the High Court emphasized that their impact on society and national security is undeniable. The bench determined that the allegations raised in the PIL warrant a serious official review.
Disposing of the writ petition, the court ordered the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting alongside the CBFC to treat the entire PIL as a formal representation. The authorities must now review the objections, make an informed decision regarding the film, and communicate their final decision—along with any corrective measures taken—directly to the petitioner.
Allegations of Official Secrets Act Violations
The controversy stems from a PIL filed by an SSB officer who argued that Dhurandhar: The Revenge directly violates India’s Official Secrets Act. According to the petitioner, the movie depicts sensitive locations, tactical operations, and intelligence methods in “depth.”
The plea highlighted several alarming objections, claiming the film:
- Showcases highly classified protocols and “deep cover identities” of active operatives.
- Explicitly models characters and actions after actual high-ranking military officials and martyred servicemen.
- Recalls successful real-life military operations in a manner that is not in the country’s best interests.
Most notably, the petition claimed that the cinematic depiction has already had real-world consequences, “directly compromising the safety of on-field undercover agents” and putting local authorities in Karachi, Pakistan, on a “spy alert.”
Call for a New ‘Spy Movies Protocol’
Seeking to prevent future intelligence leaks in popular media, the petitioner urged the court to mandate the creation of a specialized “spy movies protocol.” This proposed framework would block filmmakers from depicting the specific operational methods used by India’s secret agents.
In addition to establishing future protocols, the petition sought immediate punitive action, praying for the revocation of the CBFC certification already granted to Dhurandhar: The Revenge. The petitioner had also requested an immediate stay on the film’s broadcast across all theatres and over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the CBFC are now tasked with delivering a formal response to these security concerns.
