Starring actor Vivek Oberoi in the titular role, the biopic was set to release on April 11, the first day of the general election.
The Election Commission (EC) has stalled the release of controversial biopic PM Narendra Modi till the end Lok Sabha elections on May 19 to ensure a level playing field. Starring actor Vivek Oberoi in the titular role, the biopic was set to release on April 11, the first day of the general election.
The Commission also said it is currently processing clarifications submitted by Delhi's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) regarding pre-certification of political advertisement on NaMo TV by the media certification and monitoring committee.
Taking cognisance of opposition parties that approached the poll watchdog to seek injunction, the Commission, in an order, said on Wednesday, "Any biopic material on sub-serving the purposes of any political entity or any individual entity connected to it, which is intended to, or which has the potential to disturb level playing field during the elections, should not be displayed in electronic media including cinematograph during the operation of MCC (Moral Code of Conduct)."
The EC order came after Supreme Court refused to entertain a petition seeking an injunction on the film and put the ball back in EC's court. The apex court had said that it was for EC to decide whether the film tilted the balance in favour of the ruling BJP as argued by the petitioner.
EC has also banned related publicity material from electronic media and print media in areas where MCC is in force.
In its order, marked to the secretary of the I&B Ministry, chairman Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the CEOs of all states and union territories, the Commission said it was vital that "the power of media is not used in such a manner which affects the general conduct of the elections".
EC has also decided to constitute a committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge and comprising a retired chief justice of a high court to look into complaints related to any cinematographic material and suggest appropriate action.
Subsequently, the Congress welcomed the order and said in a statement that "The Election Commission's decision staying Modi biopic is an affirmation that none less than the Prime Minister of India was complicit in violating the Model Code of Conduct." Bringing to notice paragraph 10.2 of order, the Congress accused the BJP of disobeying the Election Commission order by continuing to show 'NaMo TV'. "It must be shut down as it is being run by the BJP as a propaganda tool," the Congress said.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Biopic")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}