'No coercive steps against music companies'

NEW DELHI: Can music companies release audio and video cassettes meant for private use without the approval of censor board? This crucial question has been tossed up before the Delhi High Court which has sought a response from the Centre on the tricky issue.
    
While admitting the matter which could have a bearing on the multi-crore rupee entertainment industry, Justice G S Sistani restrained the city police from taking coercive steps against three music companies which allegedly released audio and video cassettes without government approval.
     
He, however, allowed the police to go ahead with its investigation against these companies.
     
The companies -- Chanda Cassette, Sonotek Cassette Company, Chetak Cassette Company -- are facing the probe for allegedly releasing audio cassettes without getting government approval.
     
"Till the next date of hearing, the respondents (Police and I&B ministry) may continue the investigation but will not take any coercive action against the companies with regard to audio-visual materials, which are meant for private viewing," Justice Sistani said, while fixing the case for further hearing on January 1, 2009.
      
Advocate Dhanesh Relan, appearing for the companies, however, refuted the allegation and contended the police were harassing them with an ulterior motive.
    
"The audio and video cassettes released for private viewing do not need to get an approval from the censor board. The approval is required only when it is released for public viewing," Relan contended.

The Court after hearing the contention directed the police not to take any coercive action till further order.
     
The court also sought a reply from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on the plea of the music companies which sought an amendment in the law which would exempt them from getting the censor board's approval before releasing audio-visual materials for private hearing.