The legal battle between the makers of Vijay’s film Jana Nayagan and the CBFC is set to enter its next chapter, with the matter scheduled for hearing in the Supreme Court on Thursday. The film, originally slated for a January 9 release, was delayed after the CBFC withheld certification. The producers, KVN Productions LLP, had filed a writ petition challenging the non-issuance of the certificate.
The Vijay-starrer was submitted for certification to the CBFC on December 24. The examining committee recommended a U/A 16+ rating after suggesting 27 changes, all of which the makers accepted. However, on January 5, the CBFC Chairperson referred the film to a Revising Committee following a complaint.
Justice PT Asha of the Madras High Court heard arguments from both sides and announced that her decision would be given on the scheduled release date, contributing to the initial delay. Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan, representing the CBFC, stated that the certification process had been reopened after a dissenting committee member claimed his objections were not properly recorded. This led the chairman to refer the film to the Revising Committee.
While Sundaresan argued that the chairman acted within his rights, the single judge had previously directed the CBFC to grant certification. The judge ruled that once certification was granted, setting up a Revising Committee was “without jurisdiction” and added, “After examining materials, it is crystal clear that the complainant’s grievance appears to be an afterthought.”
The CBFC appealed the order, stating they had insufficient time to file their reply. A division bench then stayed the previous directive, putting the film’s clearance on hold. The matter is now scheduled for a hearing in the Madras High Court on January 20 after the Pongal holidays, while the Supreme Court will take up the plea today.
This is Vijay’s last film before he enters politics………….(Agencies)
