The Bombay high court is is hearing the plea filed by the Udta Punjab makers regarding the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)s suggested cuts to the film now. The film centred around the drug problem in Punjab has stoked both a political and artistic debate.

"We have read the script in entirety to see if film encourages drugs. We do not find the film questions sovereignty or integrity of India by the names of cities, reference to state or by a signpost," the court observed, adding, "It is not for anybody to interfere unless and until creative freedom is abused."

On Sunday, the censor board cleared the controversial film with 13 cuts under the A category, its chairman Pahlaj Nihalani said.

We have today cleared Udta Punjab under A (restricted for adult audience) category after 13 cuts, Nihalani told reporters on the sidelines of a function.

The Court today observed that no one can dictate to a filmmaker how to make a film. "The CBFC is not required by law to censor. Nobody can interfere unless creative freedom is abused. We do not find the film questioning India's sovereignty or integrity."

The HC also observed that dual meaning should not be encouraged and said the filmmakers had chosen to highlight the drug menace in Punjab.

Makers of the film, Phantom Films, had challenged some of the CBFCs suggested cuts in the high court, which included deleting references to Punjab, two graphically vulgar scenes and toning down an expletive-laden script.

The CBFCs clearance came after the Bombay high court came down heavily on the board, saying it was overly critical of the controversial drug-themed film.