Vijay's Jana Nayagan Certification Row: Madras High Court Reserves Order After CBFC Appeals
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The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on Tuesday argued before the Madras High Court that a single judge erred in ordering a 'UA 16+' certification for Vijay's Tamil film Jana Nayagan. The CBFC claimed it was not given an adequate opportunity to be heard, as the single judge passed the order without allowing the board to file a counter affidavit. The controversy began when the CBFC chairperson referred the film to a Revising Committee, despite the Examining Committee recommending a 'UA 16+' certificate subject to 14 cuts. The producers, KVN Productions, challenged this decision, and a single judge quashed the referral order, directing the CBFC to issue the certification. The CBFC, represented by Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan, argued that the single judge's order was premature, as the board had not been given a chance to respond. The division bench, comprising Chief Justice MM Shrivastava and Justice Arul Murugan, heard both sides and reserved its order. The court's decision has delayed the film's planned release, which was scheduled for January 9. The CBFC chairperson's decision to refer the film to the Revising Committee was made after receiving a complaint raising concerns over 'religious sentiments and the portrayal of the armed forces.' The producers, represented by senior advocate Satish Parasaran, argued that the CBFC had effectively accepted the examining committee's recommendation and that the referral to the Revising Committee was sudden and disproportionate. The bench questioned how a release date could be announced before a film received certification and expressed concern over the procedure adopted. The court's order is now pending, and it remains to be seen whether the Madras High Court will uphold the single judge's decision or allow the CBFC to appeal. The Jana Nayagan certification row has sparked a debate over the role of the CBFC and the process of film certification in India.
