Madras High Court Clears Way for Vijay’s Jana Nayagan, Orders CBFC to Act Immediately
The Madras High Court on Friday directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to immediately issue the final censor certificate for the Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan, clearing the way for its release.
Justice P. T. Asha delivered the verdict, holding that the CBFC’s decision to send the film for a fresh review was flawed. The Court noted that the filmmakers had already complied with all cuts suggested earlier by the examining committee.
The production team had approached the Court after alleging unnecessary delay by the CBFC in issuing the final certificate. The film, said to be the last movie of actor Vijay, was scheduled for release on January 9.
Initially, the CBFC’s examining committee had recommended a U/A 16 certificate, subject to certain edits. After the filmmakers carried out these changes, the film was unexpectedly sent to a revising committee following a complaint. The complaint raised concerns about scenes allegedly affecting religious sentiments and the portrayal of defence forces.
During the hearings, it emerged that the complaint was not filed by a member of the public but by a member of the CBFC’s examining committee, who claimed that his objections were not properly recorded earlier. The film’s producers questioned how such internal concerns could be raised later without informing them.
Senior Advocate Satish Parasaran, appearing for the production house, argued that the CBFC must function transparently and fairly. He highlighted the massive financial stakes involved, stating that around ₹500 crore depended on the timely release of the film.
The CBFC, represented by the Additional Solicitor General, defended its actions, stating that the CBFC Chairperson has the authority to refer a film to a revising committee before granting the final certificate. However, the Court rejected this argument and ordered the CBFC to immediately issue the U/A 16 certificate.
