Power of State Government or licensing authority to suspend exhibition of films in certain cases.

(1) The State Government, in respect of the whole of the State of Gujarat or any part thereof, or the licensing authority, in respect of the area within its jurisdiction, may, if it is of the opinion that any film which is being publicly exhibited is likely to cause a breach of the public order, by order, suspend the exhibition of the film and during such suspension, such film shall be deemed to be an uncertified film in the area specified in the order.

(2) When an order under sub-section (1) has been issued by the licensing authority, a copy thereof together with a statement of reasons therefor, shall forthwith be forwarded by the licensing authority to the State Government and the State Government may either confirm or annul the order.

(3) An order made under sub-section (1) shall, unless it is annulled by the State Government under sub-section (2), remain in force for a period of two months from the date thereof but the State Government may, if it is of the opinion that the order should continue in force, extend the period of suspension from time to time for such further period as it thinks fit.