Madras High Court orders CBFC to immediately clear Vijay film Jana Nayagan for release

The Madras High Court on Friday ordered the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to promptly grant final censor clearance for the release of Vijay-starrer film Jana Nayagan, holding that the film censor body's decision to have relook at its censor certification was flawed. .Justice PT Asha pronounced the verdict this morning after reserving the matter for judgment on Wednesday. The Court has ordered the grant of the censor certificate, as earlier recommended by an examining committee of the CBFC, forthwith in accordance with the applicable rules. .The filmmakers had alleged a delay on the part of the CBFC in granting the final censor certificate.The film, which would be Vijay's last in his movie career, was scheduled for a January 9 (today) release. An examining committee of the CBFC had initially recommended that the film be given a U/A 16 certificate once certain cuts were made to it, which were carried out by the filmmakers. However, the film was later referred to a revising committee on the receipt of a complaint raising concerns about the portrayal of defence forces in some scenes as well as certain scenes that could allegedly hurt religious sentiments. The Court today has ordered the CBFC to forthwith grant the U/A 16 certificate, since the filmmakers have already complied with the earlier suggested cuts. .When the matter was first heard on January 6, the film's producer questioned how a complaint could be made about the film's contents when no member of the general public had watched the film yet. In the ensuing hearing, however, it was revealed that the complaint was actually made by a member of the examining committee who claimed that his concerns were not recorded. Representing the film's production house, Senior Advocate Satish Parasaran questioned how the filmmakers could be kept in the dark about this. He argued that the law demands that the CBFC acts in a more transparent manner. He added that ₹500 crores was riding on the film, while accusing the CBFC of dealing with the producer's concerns lightly. .The Court today held that it was not appropriate for a member of the examining committee to send in such a complaint, particularly since his concerns were already recorded and corresponding excisions made to address the same. The Court termed the complainant's claim that he was not given a proper opportunity to discuss his concerns "an afterthought" and termed the complainant's conduct motivated. "It is therefore crystal clear that the complainant's grievance that he had not been granted an opportunity appears to be an afterthought and appears motivated," the judgment read. The Court added that it would set a dangerous precedent if such a complaint was entertained. "Further, such a volte face by a member of an Examining committee who had made a recommendation after viewing and assimilating the film would give rise to a dangerous trend of members reneging on their recommendation and the sanctity placed on the decision of the Examining Committee of the CBFC would stand eroded," it said. .Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan had represented the CBFC in the matter. During hearings, he argued that there was no malicious intent on the part of the CBFC and that its chairman is well within his authority to refer the matter to a revision committee. The examining committee's recommendations do not take away these powers, he added. Since the final censor certificate is yet to be granted, the chairman can authorise the revision proceedings, he argued. .The single judge Bench today rejected these arguments."The decision of the Chairperson (to refer the matter to revising committee) which has been uploaded only on 06.01.2026 is without jurisdiction. Further, the letter dated 22.12.2025 clearly spells out the recommendation of the Examining Committee as accepted by the Board which was 'to grant UA certification subject to excision.' Therefore, once the excisions are done the certification automatically follows," the Court said..[Read Judgment].Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.