In a significant relief to the makers of Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan, the Madras High Court on Friday directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a UA 16+ certificate to the film without delay, setting aside the CBFC Chairperson’s decision to refer the film to a Revising Committee.
Justice P T Asha, ruling on a petition by K Venkat Narayana of KVN Productions, held that the CBFC Chairperson had “acted without jurisdiction” by sending the film for further review after the Examining Committee had already granted UA certification with some recommended cuts. The court observed that the Chairperson’s powers had been exhausted once the Examining Committee’s decision was communicated to the producer on December 22, 2025.
“Once the board had taken a decision and sent a communication, the Chairperson has no power to send the matter to the Review Committee based on a subsequent complaint by one of the panel members,” the judge said.
The court also dismissed the Chairperson’s letter dated January 6, by which the Revising Committee was invoked, terming the complaint by a panel member an “afterthought” and warning that entertaining such objections could set a dangerous precedent.
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General A R L Sundaresan, representing the CBFC, argued that the Chairperson had the authority to seek further review, especially after a complaint allegedly raised by one of the Examining Committee members. He maintained that the petitioner could not compel the board to act merely because the film had a fixed release date.
However, Justice Asha rejected this position, stating that once the Examining Committee had granted certification (with required edits), the CBFC Chairperson could not override or reopen the process on the basis of internal dissent.
Senior Advocate Satish Parasaran, appearing for the producers, pointed out that the Examining Committee’s decision was a 4:1 majority and could not be invalidated by the lone dissenting member.
Jana Nayagan, directed by H Vinoth and featuring Vijay, Prakash Raj, Pooja Hegde and Mamitha Baiju, was submitted for certification on December 18. On December 19, the Examining Committee recommended a UA certificate, subject to cuts and muting of certain dialogues. The producers claimed they implemented all the recommended changes, but the certificate was not issued. Instead, the Chairperson referred the matter to the Revising Committee, triggering the legal challenge.
The petition also alleged that a complaint had been made against the unreleased film, claiming it hurt religious sentiments. Justice Asha had earlier directed the CBFC to produce this complaint on record.
Invoking its authority under Article 226 of the Constitution, the High Court held that it was empowered to “mould the relief” and accordingly issued a writ of mandamus, directing the CBFC to issue the UA 16+ certificate immediately.
The ASG urged the Chief Justice to allow the CBFC to file an appeal against the order. In response, Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava orally said, “You file the appeal and inform us, we will consider your request.”
The case comes amid heightened anticipation around the release of Jana Nayagan and another upcoming film Parasakthi, both of which are reportedly politically charged. Jana Nayagan is speculated to reflect themes of social justice and Dravidian ideology, and was originally scheduled for release on January 9. However, certification delays had pushed the makers to postpone.
With the Pongal festival just around the corner, it remains unclear if the films will make it to theatres in time, although Friday’s court order clears a major legal hurdle.
