Madras HC Slams CBFC for Rushed Certification Process in Vijay's Jana Nayagan
Image Source: Internet
The Madras High Court expressed concern over the hasty certification process of actor-turned-politician Vijay's film Jana Nayagan, directing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to grant a UA16+ certificate. The CBFC argued in court that a single judge had erred in passing the order without giving the board sufficient time to respond. Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan stated that Justice PT Asha had proceeded without allowing the board to file a counter affidavit, despite the producers not challenging the initial decision to refer the film for reconsideration. At the heart of the dispute is the CBFC's decision to divert the film to a Revising Committee in early January, citing concerns over "religious sentiments and the portrayal of the armed forces." The producers alleged that this move derailed a certification process nearing completion. The CBFC maintained that its chairperson had acted within statutory powers in referring the film for further review after receiving a complaint, and that the board had not yet taken a final decision on certification. The producers, however, countered that the CBFC had effectively accepted the examining committee's recommendation by December 22 and that only the issuance of the certificate remained. The Madras High Court bench, led by Chief Justice MM Shrivastava, reserved orders after hearing both sides and expressed concern over the procedure adopted by the CBFC. The court questioned how a release date could be announced before a film received certification and warned that such an approach could set an unhealthy precedent. Jana Nayagan was submitted to the CBFC on December 18, 2025, and had already undergone certification scrutiny when the referral to the Revising Committee triggered the present legal battle. The case highlights the need for a fair and transparent certification process, ensuring that both the board and producers have adequate time to respond and participate in the decision-making process.
