The legal battle around Vijay’s much-awaited film Jana Nayagan has taken a fresh turn. On Tuesday (February 10), the Madras High Court permitted KVN Productions to withdraw its plea challenging the certification process of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The film, which is expected to be Vijay’s final movie before formally stepping into politics, had been caught in a dispute over delays in certification.

As per Live Law, Justice PT Asha allowed the request after the production company, represented by advocate Vijayan Subramaniam, informed the court of its decision to withdraw the case. A letter had already been sent to the High Court registry stating that the producers wished to proceed with the review process instead of continuing litigation. The matter was listed under the caption “for withdrawal" before being formally closed.

Why the case began

KVN Productions had earlier approached the court alleging that the CBFC had delayed issuing a certificate for Jana Nayagan. According to the producers, they were informed that the film would receive a “UA" certificate subject to certain cuts and modifications. They claimed that even after carrying out the suggested changes, the certificate was not issued.

The production house also questioned the CBFC Chairperson’s move to send the film to a revising committee after initially indicating that a “UA" certificate would be granted.

What is CBFC’s stand

The CBFC told the court that the film was sent to the revising committee after a member of the examining committee raised a complaint. The complaint said some scenes could hurt religious sentiments and show the armed forces in a wrong light.

On January 9, a single judge ruled in favour of the producers and asked the CBFC to certify the film immediately. The court said sending the film for review after informing the producers about certification was not proper. It also questioned why complaints were considered after the examining committee had already given its recommendation.

However, the issue did not end there. The matter was urgently mentioned before the Chief Justice’s bench the same day. The division bench stayed the single judge’s order and later cancelled it, saying the CBFC was not given enough chance to present its side.

The bench also said the single judge should not have cancelled the Chairperson’s order without a specific request challenging it. The case was then sent back to the single judge for fresh hearing, and the producers were asked to amend their plea to directly challenge the Chairperson’s order.

Source: News18