EC bans 'PM Narendra Modi' till end of elections

The Election Commission has banned the release of 'PM Narendra Modi' till the Lok Sabha polls. The election body said, the biopic has "potential to affect level playing field which is in consonance with Model Code of Conduct".

Mumbai: The Election Commission on Wednesday stopped the release of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's biopic till the Lok Sabha elections got over saying that any material which disturbs level-playing field should not be displayed.

Earlier, the Supreme Court said that the Election Commission is the appropriate authority to address the petitioner's concerns on whether the film should be released in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as it may tilt the balance or benefit a particular political party.

The film, which narrates the story of Modi from his humble beginnings to becoming the Prime Minister of India, was slated to release on April 11, when the Lok Sabha elections begin.

The CBFC certificate for 'PM Narendra Modi' came on the same day as the Supreme Court's dismissal of a plea seeking a stay on the film's release.

The film has come under a cloud with opposition parties claiming that it is a propaganda film with the intention of influencing voters in the Lok Sabha elections.

Several political leaders had requested to delay the release of the biopic and the matter was taken up by the Supreme Court.

With inputs from IANS