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New Delhi: In a significant setback to actor-politician Vijay’s film 'Jana Nayagan', the Supreme Court on Thursday declined to intervene in the ongoing censor certification dispute and directed the producers to seek relief from the Madras High Court instead. A bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih dismissed the appeal filed by KVN Productions against the stay imposed by a division bench of the Madras High Court, observing that the matter should be argued before the Chief Justice’s bench on January 20 as scheduled earlier.
The court refused to grant interim relief, effectively keeping the film’s theatrical release in indefinite limbo. “We do not wish to directly intervene in this censorship matter at this time; you should approach the Division Bench of the Madras High Court again,” the bench noted, reinforcing the primacy of the High Court in the dispute.
Background of the Legal Tussle
Jana Nayagan, touted as Vijay’s last film before his full-time political plunge with the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), was slated for a worldwide release on January 9. However, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) withheld the U/A certificate and referred the film to a review committee, citing objections over certain scenes.
The producers moved the Madras High Court, where Justice P.T. Asha quashed the CBFC’s review recommendation. The CBFC immediately appealed, and a division bench led by Chief Justice M.M. Srivastava stayed the single judge’s order, sharply questioning the producers for “pressuring the court” and announcing a release date before securing certification.
What Happens Next?
With the Supreme Court’s refusal to intervene, the legal battle now reverts to the Madras High Court, where the writ appeal is scheduled for hearing on January 20. The apex court’s dismissal dashes hopes of an immediate release and leaves fans, who had anticipated a Pongal release, disappointed.
The case has transcended cinematic circles, morphing into a political flashpoint, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently accusing the Centre of “attacking Tamil culture” by delaying the film’s certification.
