Madras High Court Reserves Verdict in 'Jana Nayagan' Censor Controversy
The Madras High Court has officially reserved its verdict in the ongoing censor certification row concerning actor Vijay's highly anticipated final film, 'Jana Nayagan.' A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan heard detailed arguments from both parties before concluding the proceedings.
Legal Proceedings and Key Arguments
The bench was hearing a writ appeal filed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) challenging a single judge's order that directed the board to issue a U/A 16+ certification to the politically-themed movie. Representing the CBFC was Additional Solicitor General A.R.L. Sundaresan, while senior counsel Satish Parasaran, assisted by Vijayan Subramanian, appeared for the two producers of the film.
The court has indicated that it is likely to deliver its judgment on January 27, 2025, having completed hearing extensive arguments from both sides. The bench noted that following extended sessions and directions from the Supreme Court for early decisions, it has prioritized this matter for prompt resolution.
Background of the Censor Controversy
The controversy began in early December 2025 when a five-member CBFC examining committee unanimously proposed certifying the film as U/A 16+ with certain cuts. The producers complied with these modifications and reapplied for certification on December 24.
However, the process hit a roadblock when one committee member raised an objection, questioning whether the panel included an army war specialist. This led CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani to refer the matter to a nine-member revisions panel on January 5, prompting the producers to approach the High Court.
Single Judge's Order and Subsequent Appeal
On January 9, Justice P.T. Asha quashed the chairman's decision and directed the CBFC to issue the U/A 16+ certificate. The judge observed that the producers had already accepted the committee's initial recommendation and termed the late objection raised by one member as an "afterthought."
The CBFC subsequently challenged this order before the Division Bench, leading to the current proceedings that have now concluded with the verdict being reserved.
Potential Outcomes and Legal Implications
If the judgment favors the 'Jana Nayagan' makers, the CBFC cannot approach the Supreme Court with an appeal on the same day. However, the board could make a mention before the Supreme Court on the following Wednesday, seeking urgent listing of the matter for further consideration.
The Supreme Court had earlier declined to interfere with the High Court's interim stay, which was granted on January 9, while emphasizing the need for early disposal of the case. The January 27 judgment is expected to determine whether the film receives certification and proceeds toward release or faces further delays.
Significance and Broader Context
This case has garnered significant attention due to several factors:
- The film marks the final acting project of popular actor Vijay
- The movie contains political themes that have sparked debate
- The legal proceedings highlight ongoing tensions between filmmakers and certification authorities
- The case tests the boundaries of CBFC's certification processes and timelines
The entertainment industry and fans alike await the January 27 judgment with keen interest, as it will not only determine the fate of this particular film but could also set precedents for how similar certification disputes are handled in the future.
Disclaimer: This report is based on current judicial filings and reports from legal correspondents. As the matter remains sub judice, all information regarding hearing dates and film certification is subject to change based on the court's official orders. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or guarantee the film's release date.
