Representative image.

CHENNAI: Films are corrupting young minds with vulgar words and songs, Madras high court has said, calling upon the filmdom to realise its societal responsibility. Justice S Vaidyanathan, while hearing a bail plea from a youth who had sung obscene film songs and misbehaved with a woman, only to be arrested and remanded to judicial custody, said: "This court expresses its displeasure that film-makers as well as producers, instead of inculcating good thoughts and moral values, are corrupting the minds of the youth by using vulgar words in songs and by projecting violence in films, thereby causing deterioration in our culture and morality."

The case against Prabhu Kumar of Manali was that he sang obscene songs and pulled a woman, who was walking along with her mother. He also criminally intimidated the mother when she questioned his act. Police slapped charges punishable under POCSO Act on him and remanded him to custody on July 24.

His counsel, however, claimed that the two were in relationship, and the woman herself said the man had not committed any such offence and that a false case had been foisted on him.

Justice Vaidyanathan, granting conditional bail to the man in view of the five weeks he had already spent in jail, said, "Taking note of the fact that he has only sung the film song, which cannot be said to have been sung with sexual intention and also considering the period of incarceration of the petitioner, this court is of the view that no custodial interrogation is required at this stage.

Ticking off filmdom for obscenity, the judge then said, "Media is a powerful teacher, whose teachings are never forgotten by people. Therefore, film makers should realise their responsibility to imbibe good thoughts in the minds of the youth, who are the pillars of society, and bring up a good society.

The youth was then asked to execute a personal bond for Rs 10,000 and furnish two sureties of a like sum each. Also, he shall appear before police daily 10.30am and 5.30 pm. Cautioning the youth against going underground or evading the due process of law, the judge said in case of any breach of conditions, his would be taken to task by the jurisdictional magistrate and police.

