Mumbai: In a crucial hearing on Thursday, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) informed the Bombay High Court that Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming biographical drama “Emergency” would be granted a certification if specific edits, as recommended by its revising committee, are implemented. The film, which was initially scheduled for a September 6 release, has faced obstructions from the CBFC regarding the issuance of a release certificate, leading to a legal tussle.
Ranaut, who not only stars as the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi but also directed and co-produced the film, has openly accused the CBFC of intentionally stalling the certification to delay the film’s release. The biographical drama has found itself at the center of controversy following objections from Sikh organizations, notably the Shiromani Akali Dal, which claimed the film misrepresented their community and distorted historical facts.
A division bench comprising Justices B P Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla previously chastised the CBFC for its indecision over the film’s certification. The High Court noted that the CBFC could not remain indecisive, as this would essentially infringe on the filmmakers’ freedom of speech and expression. Consequently, the court mandated that the CBFC make a definitive decision by September 25.
On behalf of Zee Entertainment Enterprises, the film’s co-producer, a petition was submitted to the High Court urging the CBFC to expedite the issuance of the certification for the film, directed by Ranaut. During Thursday’s proceedings, the bench queried the CBFC for any positive developments regarding the film.
Abhinav Chandrachud, representing the CBFC, stated that the board’s revising committee had reached a decision. “The committee has suggested some cuts before the certificate can be issued, allowing the movie to be released,” Chandrachud told the court.
Senior advocate Sharan Jagtiani, representing Zee Entertainment, requested more time to decide on whether the suggested cuts were agreeable. Following this, the bench scheduled the next hearing for September 30.
Zee Entertainment, in its plea, asserted that the CBFC had already prepared the certification but was withholding it from issuance. Recently, the production house alleged that the delay was politically motivated and tied to the forthcoming Haryana elections. This raised questions within the court about why the ruling party would act against Ranaut, a BJP Member of Parliament.
“The committee has suggested some cuts before the certificate can be issued and the movie can be released,” reiterated Chandrachud.
. Senior counsel Jagtiani sought additional time to make a decision regarding the recommended edits, resulting in the bench adjourning the matter until September 30.
The controversy added another layer when Sikh organizations raised objections, accusing the film of spreading misinformation about their community and historical events. Addressing these objections, the bench previously faulted the CBFC for delaying its decision, emphasizing that such inaction amounted to curtailing the filmmakers’ constitutional rights.
The court emphasized that the CBFC must not stay indecisive and directed them to make a conclusive decision by September 25. Zee Entertainment pursued legal recourse, seeking the High Court’s instructions for the CBFC to issue the required certification. During Thursday’s session, the bench inquired if there was any favorable news about the certification process.
Abhinav Chandrachud responded that the CBFC’s revising committee had proposed certain cuts as a prerequisite for the issuance of the film’s certification. Jagtiani, the senior counsel for Zee Entertainment, requested more time to review the proposed cuts before making a final decision.
The hearing was subsequently rescheduled for September 30. Zee Entertainment, in its legal plea, contended that the CBFC had already generated the certification but was not releasing it. Allegations surfaced last week, suggesting the delay was politically driven, linked to impending elections in Haryana.
The court voiced its skepticism, questioning why the ruling party would oppose Ranaut, one of their own members. Nonetheless, accusations about political influences persisted in delaying the certification, as noted by Zee Entertainment.
The matter will now be further deliberated on September 30, after Jagtiani sought time to consider the recommended edits. With Zee Entertainment affirming that the CBFC had initially prepared the certification, the allegations of political motives continue as an underlying factor in the ongoing delay.
In an earlier session, the bench had sternly criticized the CBFC’s procrastination, emphasizing its responsibility to make a timely and definitive decision to uphold the freedom of speech and expression. As the next hearing approaches, the fate of “Emergency” hangs in the balance, contingent on whether the proposed cuts are accepted by the filmmakers.
