Ban on rape documentary is a poor decision

The Indian government has slapped a ban on the broadcasting of a documentary about a 2012 rape and murder of a young woman in Delhi.
The decision has resulted in a storm of criticism from various corners around the world and the debate is much more than an issue of censorship.
The government cited concern that the BBC film, ‘India’s Daughter’, could create “law and order problems”.
Needless to say, the documentary succeeded in holding up a mirror to views toward women in Indian society.
“It reflects upon our society what men think of our daughters, their views on women and rape,” said the victim’s father who, incidentally, supported the government’s move to restrict the film. He said that the government must have put some thought into the decision.
Regardless, the society must confront its own reality, which is horrific, in this case, to say the least.
In many countries, Thailand included, there is a tendency to blame women for provoking men to do what they do, whether it’s unwanted advances or sexual assaults.
Trying to sound noble in the face of this unfortunate incident, the Modi government’s excuse was that the authorities will not allow “any attempt by any individual, group or organisation to leverage such an unfortunate incident for commercial benefit”.
But no matter how the government spins it, the ban on this BBC documentary is nothing more than censorship. But this is not just an issue of free speech – it’s about how a society treats its women.
The documentary was conducted with full cooperation and support of the victim’s parents and there is nothing to suggest that BBC was irresponsible or went beyond its editorial guidelines.
By blocking the airing of the film, the Indian authorities have shown the world that they are not willing to face up to alarming prejudice.
While it’s chilling to hear the authorities’ excuses for blocking the documentary and unwillingness to inspire change, it is even more unsettling to hear the lawyer’s argument about the victim being to blame, simply because she was out late at night.
One lawyer went as far as saying he “would put petrol on her and set her alight” if his own daughter dabbled in pre-marital relations. It was nothing less than a despicable attempt to divert from the real issue with the hope of gaining support in society.
But it would be misleading and wrong to say that the lawyers speak for the people of India.
The authorities also accused the producer of violating bureaucratic procedures. Perhaps it would make more sense to play the patriotic card – say that a foreign filmmaker is trying to embarrass India and Indian society.
Regardless of how uncomfortable this whole issue may be for the government, the producer deserves credit for shedding light on this very important topic, even if it is something that many people already know.
By banning this film, the government could dramatically increase the number of people who will watch it. With today’s technology Indians and others around the world can easily access the documentary. It makes you wonder if the government actually thought their ban could stop people from seeing it.
A ban on Indians uploading the film on YouTube in their country was upheld by the High Court in New Delhi. But does the government really think it can affect websites abroad?
If anything, what the authorities did was just stir more desire among people who otherwise might have no interest to see the film in the first place. And in the end, it is Indian officials who have brought shame upon their country. 
People around the world look up to India as the world’s largest democracy. But with democracy, one would expect the country’s lawmakers will have their priorities straight. In this respect, the world’s largest democracy fails a test. 
Indian people, it goes without saying, deserve better from their elected representatives.