The Tamil Nadu government has asked District Collectors and the Chennai Police Commissioner to suspend the screening of Hollywood film, The Da Vinci Code.

A press release issued by the state government, quoted by The Hindu newspaper, said on Wednesday: 'The government has taken cognisance of the various reports and complaints received from the minority communities, particularly the Christian community regarding the proposed screening of the movie. The screening of the movie might hurt religious feelings and sentiments of the Christian community and lead to demonstrations and disturb peace and tranquillity within the state.'

The collectors and the commissioner have been asked to study the situation and take action under Section 13 of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 (Central Act 37 of 1952) to suspend the screening of the movie.