The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday fixed July 1 for hearing a petition filed by the makers of the Punjabi feature film 'ChardiKala'. The filmmakers approached the court alleging an inordinate delay in the constitution of a Revising Committee by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Court Proceedings and Adjournment
When the petition, filed by Mad4Films and another petitioner, came up before Justice Vikram Aggarwal's Bench, counsel representing the CBFC and other respondents sought a short adjournment to obtain instructions. The court subsequently listed the case for hearing on July 1.
Senior advocate Amit Jhanji, along with counsel Harlove Singh Rajput, appeared for the petitioners. They contended that the filmmakers had applied for certification of 'ChardiKala' before the CBFC on May 12 under the priority category.
Certification Denial by Examining Committee
The petitioners submitted that on May 26, they were informed that the Examining Committee had declined certification of the film. The grounds cited were that the film dealt with a socio-politically sensitive theme, allegedly posed a threat to law and order, and purportedly glorified an assassin.
Following this, the filmmakers immediately sought a review before the Revising Committee under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.
Alleged Delay in Revising Committee Formation
However, the Revising Committee was not constituted, and the matter remained pending at the stage of 'Revising Committee Formation'. The petitioners further claimed that representations dated June 3, June 8, and June 18, seeking expeditious consideration, had not elicited any response from the authorities.
Contending that the delay was arbitrary and contrary to the statutory framework governing film certification, the petitioners asserted that their application had remained pending for over 40 days without any progress.
