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Key Points

The Bombay High Court has reprimanded the CBFC for delaying certification of the film 'Ajey' without clear objections. Justices Dere and Gokhale called the board's approach obstructive and demanded specific reasons by August 11. The filmmakers argued they faced unfair hurdles compared to political biopics like 'PM Narendra Modi' and 'The UP Files.' The court set a strict timeline for CBFC to review and respond, with a hearing scheduled for August 14.

Key Points: Bombay High Court Slams CBFC Over Ajey Film Certification Delay

  • Bombay HC calls CBFC obstructive for vague film rejections
  • Court mandates CBFC to specify objections by Aug 11
  • Filmmakers allege unfair treatment compared to political biopics
  • CBFC previously approved films on Modi, Yogi, and Thackeray
2 min read

Bombay High Court rebukes CBFC for withholding certification of 'Ajey' without clear reasoning

Bombay HC rebukes CBFC for withholding certification of 'Ajey' without clear reasoning, demands transparency by Aug 11.

"These are not reasons. This isn't as per the rules. Why don’t you give them the grounds for rejection? – Bombay High Court"

Mumbai, Aug 7

In a significant development, the Bombay High Court has directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) not to insist on obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the certification of the film “Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi.”

The directive came after the filmmakers alleged that the CBFC had rejected their application without providing clear reasons or specific objections, in violation of the 2024 Certification Rules. Representing Samrat Cinematics, Advocates Naphade, Satatya Anand, and Nikhil Aradhe argued before the court that under the 2024 Certification Rules, the CBFC is obligated to clearly identify any objectionable scenes or dialogues to enable filmmakers to respond appropriately.

The bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Dr. Neela Gokhale observed that the CBFC’s approach appeared obstructive, noting that the board was unnecessarily complicating the certification process and creating avoidable hurdles. “These are not reasons. This isn't as per the rules. Why don’t you give them the grounds for rejection? By August 11, you tell them what the objectionable scenes and dialogues are.”

The court instructed the committee to review the film thoroughly and issue specific recommendations rather than vague or general rejections. As per the timeline set by the court: The CBFC must clearly identify any objectionable scenes or suggest edits by August 11, 2025.

The filmmakers are expected to respond with their stance on the proposed modifications by August 12, 2025. The matter will be taken up for further hearing on August 14, 2025.

Notably, the CBFC has previously granted certification to several films based on prominent political figures, including Prime Ministers and Chief Ministers. These include PM Narendra Modi (2019), Mai Hoon Atal (2024), Dharamveer (2022), Thalaivi (2021), Thackeray (2019), Yatra (2019), and most recently, The UP Files—a film centered on Yogi Adityanath—which was approved by the CBFC in 2024.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a film student, I appreciate the court's intervention. The certification process should be transparent - filmmakers deserve to know exactly what needs modification instead of this guessing game. Hope this sets a precedent!
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Aman W
While I support creative freedom, we must also consider that films on living politicians can influence public opinion. Maybe CBFC needs clearer guidelines specifically for political biopics to maintain balance.
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Shreya B
This is such a relief! The CBFC has been acting like moral police for too long. If they approved 'The UP Files', what's the problem with this film? Double standards much? 🤨
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Vikram M
The court's timeline is perfect - no unnecessary delays. Our film industry suffers enough with these bureaucratic hurdles. CBFC should focus on actual content regulation rather than playing politics.
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Nikhil C
Respectfully disagree with the court here. CBFC might have genuine concerns they can't disclose publicly yet. Not everything is about politics - sometimes it's about maintaining law and order.
K
Kavya N
This is why we need judicial oversight! CBFC's arbitrary decisions affect livelihoods of hundreds of crew members. Hope this judgment makes them more accountable and transparent 🙌

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