Madras HC sends Jana Nayagan-CBFC case back to single judge
The Madras High Court has made a significant decision in the ongoing case between the makers of Thalapathy Vijay’s upcoming film, Jana Nayagan, and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). In a recent order, the division bench of the court has set aside a single judge’s order directing the CBFC to grant a U/A 16+ certificate to the film. Instead, the matter has been sent back to the single judge for fresh consideration, with instructions to hear the case expeditiously and allow the makers to amend their plea and challenge the CBFC chairperson’s order.
This development is a significant setback for the film’s makers, who were hoping to obtain a certificate from the CBFC that would allow them to release the film without any major cuts or modifications. The CBFC had earlier refused to grant the film a U/A 16+ certificate, citing certain objectionable content that it felt was not suitable for viewers under the age of 16. The film’s makers had challenged this decision in court, arguing that the CBFC’s order was arbitrary and unjustified.
The single judge who initially heard the case had ruled in favor of the film’s makers, directing the CBFC to grant a U/A 16+ certificate to the film. However, the CBFC had appealed against this order, arguing that the single judge had exceeded its jurisdiction and that the order was not in line with the provisions of the Cinematograph Act.
The division bench of the Madras High Court, which heard the appeal, has now set aside the single judge’s order and sent the matter back for fresh consideration. The bench has instructed the single judge to hear the case expeditiously and allow the makers to amend their plea and challenge the CBFC chairperson’s order. This means that the film’s makers will have to go back to the single judge and present their case again, with the possibility of making changes to their plea and challenging the CBFC’s decision.
The decision of the Madras High Court is a significant one, as it highlights the importance of following the proper procedure and adhering to the provisions of the Cinematograph Act. The court’s order also underscores the need for the CBFC to exercise its powers in a fair and transparent manner, without being influenced by external factors or pressures.
The film’s makers will now have to go back to the drawing board and decide their next course of action. They may choose to amend their plea and challenge the CBFC chairperson’s order, or they may decide to approach the appellate tribunal or the Supreme Court. Whatever they decide, it is clear that the road to certification for Jana Nayagan is going to be a long and winding one.
The CBFC, on the other hand, will be relieved that its decision has been upheld, at least for the time being. The board has been under pressure in recent times, with many filmmakers and industry stakeholders accusing it of being overly restrictive and arbitrary in its decisions. The Madras High Court’s order will be seen as a vindication of the CBFC’s powers and its role in regulating the film industry.
As for Thalapathy Vijay and his fans, they will have to wait a little longer to see the film on the big screen. The actor has a huge following in Tamil Nadu and elsewhere, and his films are always eagerly anticipated. Jana Nayagan is no exception, and the delay in its certification will only add to the hype and excitement surrounding its release.
In conclusion, the Madras High Court’s decision to send the Jana Nayagan-CBFC case back to the single judge is a significant development in the ongoing saga. The film’s makers will have to go back to the single judge and present their case again, with the possibility of making changes to their plea and challenging the CBFC’s decision. The CBFC, on the other hand, will be relieved that its decision has been upheld, at least for the time being. As for the fans of Thalapathy Vijay, they will have to wait a little longer to see the film on the big screen.
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