India's censor chief quits in row over ruling to show Bollywood film
Leela Samson resigns claiming government interference over 'MSG: The Messenger of God'
India's powerful chief film censor has quit, accusing the government of interfering with her decisions after a movie starring a controversial guru was reportedly cleared for release.
Leela Samson claimed the Hindu nationalist government was meddling in the Central Board of Film Certification's decisions, while also accusing her colleagues of "coercion and corruption".
Samson said the handling of the outlandish film "MSG: The Messenger of God" starring popular guru Gurmeet Ram Rahim - who is facing conspiracy to murder and other charges - had been "the last straw".
Amid fears the film - which shows Rahim performing miracles, preaching to thousands and beating up gangsters while singing and dancing - could spark protests and religious tension, the board rejected it. The film was then referred to an appeals tribunal which cleared its release.
"The reasons cited (for quitting) are interference, coercion and corruption of panel members and officers of the organisation who are appointed by the (information and broadcasting) ministry," Samson said.
Junior information and broadcasting minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore denied any interference, saying the final call over a film lies with the Film Certificate Appellate Tribunal (FCAT).