SHYAMLI BANERJEE Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents to consider and examine the letter dated 04.09.2006 before announcing the 53rd National Film Awards. A prayer has also made for calling of the documents pertaining to the 53rd National Film Awards and to examine the correctness of the procedure followed by the respondent. The third prayer is that the respondent be directed to frame transparent regulations to restrict the alleged illegal interference of officials of the Directorate of Film Festivals or any other departments in the decision making process for arriving at the National Film Awards to be given each year.

(2.) When this matter came up before my learned predecessor on 09.05.2007, it was directed that the petitioner's representations dated 13.08.2006 and 04.09.2006 be examined and considered by the respondent Ministry, if not already considered, within a period of four weeks and a reasoned order be passed. It was further directed that the 53rd National Film Awards pertaining to "Black", "Parineeta", "Parzania", "Anniyen", "Nishijapon", Apaharan" be not declared till the decision on the representations of the petitioner is taken. The respondent was further directed to place the decision before the court on the next date of hearing.

(3.) Mr Kait, who appears on behalf of the respondent, submitted that pursuant to the said directions, the representations of the petitioner dated 13.08.2006 and 04.09.2006 were considered and a reply was sent to the petitioner on 11.06.2007 giving details of the reasons as to why it was thought that the petitioner's representations had no merit and were accordingly rejected. The reply dated 11.06.2007 also indicates that it was issued with the approval of Minister of Information and Broadcasting. A copy of the reply has been placed on record as annexure R-III along with the counter affidavit filed on behalf of the respondents.