Pune (PTI): The Censor Board on Friday justified its decision of denying clearance to Marathi movie "Mumbai Aamchi" which was subsequently granted permission for screening by a court order.

"We did not certify the film as in our perception, it went against the guidelines of the Board," Board chairperson Sharmila Tagore told reporters here.

Tagore said the contents of the movie were found to be in violation of the spirit of secular democracy in the country where every individual was free to go anywhere to earn a living and settle.

"It needs to be appreciated that along with the Marathi population, those who came from outside too have contributed to the economic growth and culture of the metropolis. With this view the Censor Board denied certification of the film for public screening," Tagore said.

Asked about the court order granting clearance to the film, she said the nod came only after the judicial authorities effected necessary cuttings in the footage considered incongruous with the Board guidelines.

The film is slated for release on January 18, sources said.