The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to entertain a petition filed by the producers of the Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan, who claimed that the ongoing legal dispute over the film’s certification had financially “ruined” them. The top court instead directed a Division Bench of the Madras High Court to decide the matter on January 20, paving the way for a final resolution in the controversial case.
The petition was filed against a stay order passed by the Madras High Court’s Division Bench on the certification of the film. The producers had sought urgent intervention from the Supreme Court, arguing that the delay in releasing the film was causing severe financial damage and uncertainty for everyone involved in the project.
However, the Supreme Court refused to interfere, indicating that the proper legal process was still underway in the High Court.
Supreme Court Questions Speed of Single Judge’s Order
A Bench headed by Justice Dipankar Datta expressed concern over what it described as the “blistering pace” at which a Single Judge of the Madras High Court had ordered the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a censor certificate for Jana Nayagan on January 9.
The Supreme Court noted that the Single Judge had directed the CBFC to certify the film even though the CBFC Chairman had, just three days earlier on January 6, ordered that the film be referred to a revising committee. The revising committee is meant to re-examine films when there are serious concerns or disputes about their content.
According to the Supreme Court, the producer had not even challenged the CBFC Chairman’s January 6 order before seeking relief from the Single Judge. This raised questions about whether the correct legal route had been followed.
Why the Division Bench Stepped In
After the Single Judge ordered the issuance of the certificate, the CBFC approached the Division Bench of the Madras High Court. The Division Bench then stayed the Single Judge’s order, putting the film’s release on hold once again.
The producers of Jana Nayagan subsequently moved the Supreme Court, hoping to overturn the stay and allow the film to be released. They argued that the delay had already caused massive losses and that distributors, theatres, and investors were under serious strain.
Despite these arguments, the Supreme Court made it clear that it would not bypass the High Court’s ongoing proceedings.
Supreme Court Directs High Court to Decide Quickly
Instead of granting immediate relief, the Supreme Court asked the Madras High Court Division Bench to pass a direction in the case on January 20. This means that the High Court will now have to examine the dispute and give a final or clear ruling on whether the film can be certified and released.
By doing so, the Supreme Court ensured that the matter would be resolved through the proper judicial hierarchy rather than through an emergency intervention at the top level.
What This Means for Jana Nayagan
Jana Nayagan, starring Tamil superstar Vijay, is one of the most awaited films of the year. Any delay in its release has major financial implications for producers, distributors, and cinema owners. The legal uncertainty has also affected promotional activities and advance bookings.
With the Supreme Court declining to interfere for now, all eyes are on the Madras High Court, which will decide the future of the film’s release when it hears the matter on January 20.
A Larger Issue of Film Certification
The case has also brought renewed attention to India’s film certification process. Filmmakers often complain about delays and subjective decisions by the CBFC, while authorities argue that sensitive or controversial content must be carefully reviewed in the public interest.
The Jana Nayagan case highlights how disputes between filmmakers and the censor board can quickly escalate into major legal battles, especially when high-profile films and large financial stakes are involved.
Conclusion
For now, the Supreme Court has made it clear that it will not step in prematurely. The final decision on Jana Nayagan lies with the Madras High Court, which is expected to give clear directions on January 20.
Until then, the producers, cast, and fans of the Vijay-starrer will have to wait as the legal process unfolds.