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Madras HC Allows CBFC Appeal in Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' Certification Row

The Madras High Court has allowed an appeal by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), setting aside a single judge's order that granted a U/A certificate to actor Vijay's film 'Jana Nayagan'. The division bench remanded the matter back to the single judge for a fresh hearing, noting the CBFC should have been given time to file its counter. The film's release was stalled after the CBFC withheld certification, referring it to a Revising Committee over concerns about scenes potentially hurting religious sentiments. This legal battle surrounds Vijay's last film before he fully dedicates himself to his new political party.

Key Points: Madras HC Sets Aside Order for Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' U/A Certificate

  • HC allows CBFC appeal
  • Sets aside single-judge U/A certificate order
  • Case remanded for fresh hearing
  • Film's release stalled over certification
  • Scenes flagged for religious sentiments
2 min read

Madras HC allows CBFC appeal challenging single-judge directive to grant U/A certificate to Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan'

Madras High Court allows CBFC appeal, remands case for fresh hearing on certification of Vijay's film 'Jana Nayagan' ahead of its political release.

"the single judge ought to have granted time to the CBFC to file its counter-affidavit - Madras High Court Bench"

Chennai, January 27

The Madras High Court, on Tuesday, allowed an appeal filed by the Central Board of Film Certification, setting aside a single judge's order that granted a U/A certificate to actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Thalapathy Vijay's film 'Jana Nayagan'.

A bench headed by the Chief Justice held that the single judge ought to have granted time to the CBFC to file its counter-affidavit before passing the order.

Accordingly, the matter has now been remanded to the single judge for a fresh hearing, with the observation that the film's producer is at liberty to amend the prayer in the writ petition.

This came a week after the Madras High Court reserved its order on the appeal. A division bench of Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan was hearing the matter.

The developments come in the wake of the Madras HC's single bench judgement, which directed the CBFC to issue a 'U/A 16+' certificate for the film, providing temporary relief to the producers.

The movie was scheduled for release on January 9, but the CBFC did not grant clearance, stating it had been referred to the Revising Committee. K Venkat Narayana, the producer, moved the Madras High Court earlier with an urgent plea seeking directions to the CBFC to grant certification.

However, the CBFC moved to a division bench of the High Court, which stayed the single judge's order on January 9.

Earlier, the Supreme Court declined to entertain a plea filed by the makers of the Tamil film seeking a stay on the Madras High Court order that halted the film's certification process.

'Jana Nayagan' was planned for a Pongal release on January 9 and is being described as Vijay's last film before he fully steps into politics. The actor has recently launched his own political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

The film ran into trouble when the CBFC decided to hold back its certification on the grounds that certain scenes in the movie could potentially hurt religious sentiments.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is so frustrating for the producers and fans. The film was ready for Pongal, a huge festival season. Now everything is delayed. CBFC should be more efficient with their timelines, it affects so many people's livelihoods.
A
Arjun K
Let's be honest, everyone knows why this film is really facing issues. It's Vijay's political launchpad. The timing and the "religious sentiments" reason are too convenient. The CBFC should be transparent.
S
Sarah B
As someone from outside India, it's interesting to see how film certification interacts with politics here. The process seems very complex. Hope the film gets a fair hearing now with all parties present.
M
Meera T
If certain scenes can hurt religious sentiments, the CBFC is right to be cautious. We've seen what happens when films release without proper checks. Better safe than sorry, even if it causes a delay.
K
Karthik V
The whole "U/A 16+" certificate directive from the single judge was strange. That's not a standard category, is it? It's either U, U/A, or A. Shows the legal side was rushing. The division bench correcting this is good.
N
Nikhil C
Feel bad for Vijay anna's fans. They were waiting for his last

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