Court clears Bollywood drug film for release with just 1 cut

NEW DELHI (AP) — A Bollywood movie about drug abuse in India's northern state of Punjab can be released in theaters across the country with one potentially offensive scene removed, rather than the many cuts sought by censors, a court ruled Monday.

The decision was being hailed by the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai as a victory for the creative arts and the fundamental rights of filmmakers.

The film certification board is legally empowered to protect audiences from content that includes profanity, excessive violence, sexuality and nudity.

Opposition Congress and Aam Aadmi parties accuse leaders of the ruling regional group, the Akali Dal, of providing patronage and shelter to the drug mafia in return for money.