In a setback to the makers of Vijay’s film ‘Jana Nayagan’, the Madras High Court’s Division Bench overturned a previous order that had directed the immediate issuance of censor certification. The Bench stated that the earlier order delved into the film’s content merits prematurely. The court ruled that such examination should not occur during an interim stage.
The Division Bench, led by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Srivastava and Justice Arul Murugan, found the single judge’s approach legally flawed. Consequently, the CBFC’s appeal was upheld, the previous order was annulled, and the case was sent for a fresh review. The writ petitioner was also given permission to amend the petition, potentially causing further delays in the film’s release.
Earlier, the High Court had stayed the single-judge order on January 9, citing insufficient time for the Union government to respond. Subsequently, on January 15, the Supreme Court declined to hear a plea challenging the Division Bench’s stay and the delay in the final censor certificate issuance. ‘Jana Nayagan’, intended as Vijay’s final film before his political entry, faced delays despite compliance with suggested modifications.
The film’s certification application was submitted on December 18, 2025, with the Examining Committee recommending a ‘UA 16+’ certification on December 22. Despite implementing modifications, the film was referred to a Revising Committee on January 5, 2026, due to complaints about its portrayal of defence forces and religious sentiments. The CBFC was represented by Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan in the appeal.
