Da Vinci code cleared in India

Controversial movie adaptation The Da Vinci Code has been approved by censors in India, despite a string of protests from Christians seeking to have the Tom Hanks-starring film banned.

The movie was given an adult rating and disclaimers were ordered for both the start and end, reminding viewers the work is fictional.

The move is a blow for devout Christians in the country who have taken offence to the film's suggestion Jesus Christ fathered a child.

Joseph Dias, head of the Catholic Secular Forum, has been on hunger strike in a bid to have director Ron Howard's project banned, and has also sued distributor Sony Films and the board of censors for "hurting religious sentiments".

The case is due in court today.