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IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
MANINDRA MOHAN SHRIVASTAVA, CJ, G.ARUL MURUGAN
Central Board of Film Certification, Films Division Complex, Mumbai – Appellant
Versus
KVN Productions LLP, Rep. by its Authorized Signatory, Venkata Narayana Konanki – Respondent
| Table of Content |
|---|
| 1. certification process triggered by complaints (Para 5 , 9) |
| 2. maintainability of petition based on challenge to prior orders (Para 10 , 12 , 13 , 22) |
| 3. court's decisions must focus on lawful procedures and sufficient opportunity (Para 30 , 40) |
JUDGMENT :
MANINDRA MOHAN SHRIVASTAVA, CJ.
Through this instant intra-court appeal, the appellants seek to assail the correctness and validity of the order dated 9.1.2026 passed by the learned Single Judge in W.P.No.380 of 2026 and W.M.P.No.445 of 2026, whereby the writ petition has been allowed by setting aside the decision to refer the film “Jana Nayagan” to the Revising Committee for want of jurisdiction and issuing a mandamus to the second appellant herein to issue the certification as contemplated under Rule 27 (1) of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules , 2024, taking note of the excisions submitted in Form IX on 24.12.2025 forthwith and in tune with Rule 37 (6) of the Rules.
2.1. Mr.AR.L.Sundaresan, learned Additional Solicitor General of India appearing on behalf of the appellants, argued in extenso and contended that the impugned order has been passed without issuing any notice to the appellants, much less any opport
The court emphasized that failure to challenge a decision undermines writ petition maintainability, highlighting the necessity of procedural fairness in legal proceedings.
The authority to refer a film to a Revising Committee exists only before a certification decision is made; post-approval actions are without jurisdiction.
The Court held that the Revising Committee is required to assign reasons while granting 'U' certificate to a film with excisions and that no reasons were assigned by the Revising Committee in this ca....
The Caste Scrutiny Committee lacks the authority to review a validated caste certificate; it can only cancel it if fraud is proven, and must afford a fair hearing as dictated by principles of natural....
The court's decision emphasized the limited scope of intervention under Article 226 of the Constitution of India in film certification matters and highlighted the availability of remedies under the C....
Artistic freedom of expression under the Cinematograph Act must be upheld, and censorship must consider the overall social message of a film without imposing undue restrictions.
The court emphasized the importance of territorial jurisdiction and the principle of forum conveniens in deciding the maintainability of a writ petition.
Artistic expression in film must be balanced with state interests in censorship, ensuring compliance with statutory guidelines without undermining fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a)....
The judgment emphasizes the necessity of adhering to statutory procedures and the principle that a power given to do a certain thing in a certain way must be done in that way or not at all.
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