Madras HC stays order directing CBFC to grant censor certificate to ‘Jana Nayagan’, putting film release on hold

Madras HC stays order directing CBFC to grant censor certificate to ‘Jana Nayagan’; makers likely to move SC, after a division bench of the Madras High Court intervened within hours of a single judge directing the Central Board of Film Certification to issue clearance to the film. The stay has effectively stalled the planned release of the movie, which was expected to reach theatres during the Pongal festival.

The division bench granted interim relief while hearing an urgent appeal filed by the certification board. The court observed that the matter involved important legal questions and that the certification authority should have been given adequate opportunity to present its case before a final direction was issued. The bench also indicated that procedural fairness could not be compromised even in time-sensitive cases like film releases.

As a result of the stay, the earlier direction to grant certification immediately has been kept in abeyance, and the film’s release schedule now remains uncertain. The case has been posted for further hearing later this month, giving both sides time to place their arguments on record.

Madras HC stays order directing CBFC to grant censor certificate to ‘Jana Nayagan’ amid procedural concerns

While passing the interim order, the division bench noted that the certification board had not been given sufficient time to file a formal response before the single judge issued directions. The court expressed concern that the writ petition was decided with urgency despite the presence of substantive legal issues related to the powers of the certification authority.

The judges pointed out that questions had been raised regarding the authority of the CBFC chairperson to refer a film to a revising committee after an examining committee had recommended certification. Such issues, the bench observed, required careful consideration rather than immediate judicial intervention.

The court also issued notice to the film’s production house, directing it to submit its response. Until the matter is heard in detail, the certification process will remain suspended under the interim stay.

During the hearing, the bench made strong observations on the need to respect institutional procedures. It indicated that courts should not be placed under pressure through urgent filings when statutory bodies are yet to complete their processes. The bench underlined that procedural sanctity is essential, especially in matters involving regulatory authorities.

Madras HC stays order directing CBFC to grant censor certificate to ‘Jana Nayagan’ as legal battle deepens

Arguments presented before the court highlighted the contrasting positions of the certification board and the film producers. The certification authority maintained that it was not afforded adequate opportunity to place its stand and that the single judge’s order went beyond the relief sought in the petition.

On the other hand, the producers argued that once the examining committee had indicated a particular certification, further referral was unnecessary and delayed the release unfairly. They also stated that promotional activities and release plans were made only after receiving communication suggesting that certification would be granted.

The division bench, however, refrained from entering into the merits of these claims at this stage. Instead, it focused on ensuring that due process was followed and that all parties were heard before a final decision was taken.

With the interim stay now in place, the makers are expected to explore further legal options, including approaching the Supreme Court, if the delay continues to impact the release. Also Read: Jana Nayagan movie release date: Setback for Vijay; Madras HC stays order directing CBFC to grant censor certificate

Conclusion

The High Court’s intervention has brought the certification dispute into sharper legal focus. By staying the earlier direction, the court has emphasised procedural fairness while leaving the final outcome open, setting the stage for a closely watched hearing in the days ahead.