The Da Vinci Code banned in Congress ruled states

The Da Vinci Code banned Hyderabad, June. 1: Like other Congress-ruled States Andhra Pradesh too banned the screening of the movie The Da Vinci Code on the eve of its release, following a sustained campaign by Christian organisations. The movie is banned in Tamil Nadu, Goa, Punjab, Nagaland and Meghalaya. Strong protests by Christian organisations is the government reason for banning the screening of the movie. Lending vocal support to the Christians was the MIM, always fishing in troubled waters. Special chief secretary (Home) Paul Bhuyan said that the release of the movie could lead to demonstrations and disturbance of peace. �We have decided to suspend exhibition of the movie in English and Telugu in all parts of the State,� he said. Meanwhile, Christian organisations welcomed the decision to ban the film. All India Christian United Front president T. Vijay Raj termed it a �brave and right� decision. �It is entirely unacceptable to say that Jesus Christ married and fathered children,� he said, referring to the theme of the movie. Mr Raj said that to project anything about Jesus which was incompatible with the Bible or Quran would hurt both Muslims and Christians. Founder director for St Paul�s Ministry P.S, Immanual Raj also congratulated the State government. �The Chief Minister has taken a right decision by stopping the screening of the movie,� he said. �It would have hurt the religious sentiments of two communities�. Earlier in the day even members of the Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) demand a ban on the movie saying it hurt the religious sentiments of the Muslims as well. MP Asaduddin Owaisi has called on Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy to apprise him of the feelings of his community. �Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Goa governments have banned the film. AP, too, should ban the film. Muslims regard Jesus Christ as one of the great prophets of Allah. Muslims will not tolerate anything blasphemy against any of the prophets mentioned in the Holy Quran. Islam believes that Jesus Christ had not married and God had taken him to Heaven,� Mr Owaisi said. Cine exhibitors, however, said the ban was unnecessary since the film was based on a work of fiction. Needless to say, film enthusiasts are also disappointed. In spite of the protests, the film has netted Rs 3 crores in its opening weekend in India.� Meanwhile, the Supreme Court will hear on June 12 a petition seeking to stop the screening of the controversial film in the country. A vacation bench comprising Justice Arijit Pasayat and Justice Lokweshwar Singh Panta refused to give urgent hearing saying that the film was released after clearance from the Censor Board.