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The recently- released film ' Udta Punjab ', which is based on the drug abuse issue in Punjab, has opened a pandora's box for the Central Board of Film Certification CBFC ). Though chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani has been quoted saying that they are following guidelines to certify films, sources argue that's not the case. An insider tells us that even though the tenure of members on the advisory panel has expired and a list of new members has been issued, many old timers are still watching and certifying movies.The advisory panel comprises people from different walks of life. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting appoints them on the basis of recommendations given by the Censor Board and representatives of the film industry. "Charu Shah, Heena Khan, Shweta Jadhav, Manorama Singh, Vijay Reddy and Sanjay Gilani, whose terms have ended, are still being called. Over the last few months, more than 150 members have been appointed (of which a new list of 92 members was issued on June 2)," reveals our source. Bombay Times is in possession of a copy of the new list. He adds, "The chairperson is calling the shots not only for cuts and certification of films, but also which members should be in the Examining and Revising Committees to view films. If someone recommends any cuts against Pahlaj's wish, the person isn't called again. And if a panel has suggested cuts, he asks another panel to verify them instead."When we contacted Pahlaj, he declined to comment. Instead, he said that Anurag Srivastav , CEO, CBFC is the right person to talk to. Anurag said via a text message, "All the old members have been discontinued."However, a few advisory panel members we spoke to, admitted off the record that though their term had ended, they are still being called. One of them said, on condition of anonymity, "We haven't got any communication yet. We are following instructions from the CBFC office. We've no idea about any new appointments. Usually, new members have to attend a workshop and undergo training to understand the process before being inducted into the system."Apart from this, surrogate ads of tobacco and liquor brands are also being reportedly cleared despite a ban on them. Our source reveals, "Earlier, there was a panel to view and certify ads and shorts. But after the members' term ended, Pahlaj has entrusted his PA Deepak Tandel with this job, which shouldn't be the case. They are passing surrogate ads of pan masala, soda and music CDs of those brands that also own tobacco and liquor labels."When asked about Deepak Tandel reportedly clearing surrogate ads, Anurag maintained, "I'm not aware of this. If you tell me the specific ads, then I can check them." When we told him about the brand names he said, "We do not give certificates for any such products which is visible in the video clipping."