Mumbai: In a significant development, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) informed the Bombay High Court on Thursday that it is willing to issue a certificate to Kangana Ranaut’s film “Emergency”, provided certain edits are made, as advised by its revising committee. The movie, which was initially scheduled for a September 6 release, has found itself at the center of a contentious battle with the censor board over the non-issuance of the certification required for its release.
Kangana Ranaut, who wears multiple hats in this project as the director, co-producer, and the lead actress portraying the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has accused the CBFC of deliberately stalling the certification process to delay the movie’s release. The biographical drama has also faced intense scrutiny and backlash from Sikh organizations, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, over allegations of historical inaccuracies and misrepresentation of the Sikh community.
Last week, a bench comprising Justices B P Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla criticized the CBFC for its indecisiveness on the certification issue. The High Court emphasized that the censor board could not remain indecisive and needed to make a clear decision, as any delay would violate the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression. Subsequently, the court directed the CBFC to finalize its decision by September 25.
The movie’s co-producer, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, had approached the High Court seeking a directive for the CBFC to issue a certificate for “Emergency”. On Thursday, the bench queried the CBFC on whether it had any positive news for the film.
Abhinav Chandrachud, the counsel representing the CBFC, disclosed that the board’s revising committee has indeed reached a decision. “The revising committee has recommended certain cuts that need to be made before the certificate can be issued and the movie can be released,” Chandrachud informed the court.
Senior counsel Sharan Jagtiani, representing Zee Entertainment, requested additional time to deliberate on the recommended cuts and to make a decision. Subsequently, the bench scheduled the next hearing for September 30.
Zee Entertainment, in its plea, asserted that the CBFC had already prepared the certificate for the movie but had not yet issued it. Last week, Zee Entertainment contended that the delay in certification was politically motivated, pointing to the approaching elections in Haryana as a possible factor.
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The bench expressed bewilderment at the claim, questioning why the ruling party would act against Ranaut, who is herself an MP from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This aspect adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing dispute.
The court once again underlined the urgency of the matter, reiterating that the CBFC must take a definitive stand, phasing out any further delays. The bench emphasized that indecision on the part of the censor board could amount to a violation of artistic and expressive freedoms guaranteed by the constitution.
Ranaut’s “Emergency” had ignited a series of controversies, especially among certain Sikh factions who have criticized it for what they allege to be misrepresentation of their community and factual inaccuracies about historical events. This scrutiny from religious and community organizations adds to the contentious environment surrounding the movie’s release.
Thursday’s court session also reflected on last week’s revelations where Zee Entertainment alleged the non-issuance of the certificate was due to political machinations linked to upcoming elections. Assertions were made that the CBFC’s delay was influenced by potential political impacts in the election-bound region of Haryana.
In court, the counsel for the CBFC reiterated the position of the revising committee, stressing that the committee’s decision was purely based on requested edits aimed at aligning the film with regulatory standards. As the next court date approaches, all eyes will be on Zee Entertainment and whether it will consent to the recommended edits, thereby paving the way for the film’s eventual release.
The high-profile case, with its implications for the freedom of speech and the intricate web of political and social controversies, is being closely watched by the film industry, legal experts, and the general public alike. The forthcoming hearing on September 30 could potentially be decisive, determining if the highly anticipated film “Emergency” will finally see the light of day in cinemas.
As the clock ticks towards the deadline set by the High Court, the next steps taken by Zee Entertainment and the response from the CBFC will be crucial. The resolution of this case could set a significant precedent regarding the role and timing of censor board interventions in the film certification process.
The judiciary’s intervention underscores the importance of timely and transparent decisions in matters involving artistic expression, ensuring that bureaucratic delays do not impede the rights guaranteed under the constitution.
