Story perspectives

CBFC Objections Lead IIIT Hyderabad to Cancel Documentary Screening

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 4:33 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

CBFC Objects Screening

The CBFC objected to a planned screening of the documentary ‘Prisoner No. 626710 is Present’ at IIIT Hyderabad.
The film, directed by Lalit Vachani, focuses on activist Umar Khalid.
IIIT Hyderabad cancelled the event, saying it lacked permission and was unauthorized.
The CBFC warned that showing an uncertified film breaches the Cinematograph Act without a specific exemption.
Students planned the screening for 8 p.m. on Friday, September 18, in the KRB Auditorium.

Summary

ABVP Demands Cancellation

ABVP wrote to ministers Amit Shah, Pralhad Joshi and Arjun Ram Meghwal demanding permanent cancellation.
The 14 September letter by Secretary Abhinandan Mirji called the postponement a “stalling tactic”.
Congress president B K Hariprasad called Khalid a “nationalist” and said ABVP idolises Nathuram Godse.
Twenty students read Khalid’s “A Day in Tihar Jail” at 7 pm on September 14.
ABVP delegation Ramesh M met Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal at Raj Bhavan on September 16, citing woes.

History

Historical Context

The CBFC’s 1995 order to cut Shekhar Kapur’s Bandit Queen echoed earlier Indian film bans, such as the 1975 ban of Aandhi and the 1994 temporary ban of Bandit Queen after Phoolan Devi’s objection. After a Supreme Court review, the board warns IIIT Hyderabad over an uncertified screening of ‘Prisoner No. 626710 is Present’, sparking a clash over speech with ministers Amit Shah and Pralhad Joshi.

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CBFC Objects Screening

The CBFC objected to a planned screening of the documentary ‘Prisoner No. 626710 is Present’ at IIIT Hyderabad.
The film, directed by Lalit Vachani, focuses on activist Umar Khalid.
IIIT Hyderabad cancelled the event, saying it lacked permission and was unauthorized.
The CBFC warned that showing an uncertified film breaches the Cinematograph Act without a specific exemption.
Students planned the screening for 8 p.m. on Friday, September 18, in the KRB Auditorium.

1 / 3