Chennai : The Madras High Court on Tuesday set aside the earlier single-judge order that directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a censor certificate to Vijay’s Jana Nayagan. The dispute arose after the CBFC delayed the certification process and subsequently subjected the film to further review, prompting the makers to move the court as the release was stalled.
The bench of Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan told the producers that the natural justice principles were not followed during the case proceedings earlier. The court earlier reserved its order on January 20 after the hearing. The film, which is being promoted as the final screen presence of actor Vijay, before he fully dedicates himself to politics, has snowballed into a row following CBFC’s delay in issuing a certificate.
Vijay went on to describe the forthcoming elections as a “democratic war,” emphasising his party’s resolve to remain independent in the political arena. He stated, “We do not bow down to any pressure. Does this face look like it would succumb to pressure?” suggesting he intends to contest without forming alliances with other political groups. Senior Advocate Satish Parasaran, Senior Advocate Pradeep Rai and Advocate Vijayan Subramaniam, who represented KVN Productions in court, argued that the makers were earlier informed by the board that the film would be given a U/A certificate, but the certification was never provided.
Parasaran also pointed out that the complaint relied upon by the CBFC sought the removal of scenes that had already been deleted based on the Examining Committee’s suggestions. He argued that the Board’s attempt to revisit those scenes amounted to a redundant and purposeless exercise. The board earlier informed the court that the decision to refer Jana Nayagan to the revising committee was taken after a member of the examining committee lodged a complaint claiming that his objections had not been duly considered.
The court held that the CBFC Chairperson had acted beyond their authority by ordering a review after the producers had already been informed that the film would be certified. The judge also criticised the board for entertaining complaints from members of the examining committee after they had submitted their recommendations. Following the single judge’s ruling, an urgent mention was made before the Chief Justice-led bench.
The division bench continued hearing the appeal on January 20. Appearing for the CBFC, Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan argued that the board had not been given sufficient time to file its counter affidavit. He also contended that the producers had not challenged the January 6 communication referring the film to the revising committee.
Read Also : Snowfall Paralyses Srinagar Airport: 50 Flights Grounded as Heavy Winter Storm Hits Kashmir