BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 21.01.2026 CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE R.VIJAYAKUMAR and W.M.P(MD) No.1165 of 2026 P.Mahamuni Ambalakarar ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The Chairperson, The Central Board of Film Certification, Films Division Complex, Phase – I Building, 9th Floor, Dr.G.Deshmukh Marg, Mumbai – 400 026.

2. The Examining Committee, The Central Board of Film Certification, Films Division Complex, Phase – I Building, 9th Floor, Dr.G.Deshmukh Marg, Mumbai – 400 026.

3. The Regional Officer, Central Board of Film Certification, No.35, Haddows Road, Shastri Bhavan, Chennai – 600 006.

4. The Secretary to the Government, Home Department, St.George Fort, Chennai.

5. The Director General of Police, O/o. the Director General of Police, Radha Krishnan Salai, Chennai.

6. Nethaji Productions, Plot No.1032, 42nd Street, TVS Colony, Anna Nagar West Extension, Chennai – 600 040. ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 3 to invoke Rule 25 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 and refer the film titled “Draupathi II”, produced by the sixth respondent, to a duly constituted Revising Committee, based on the petitioner's representation dated 12.01.2026, before permitting any exhibition or release of the said film, and consequently direct the respondents to consider the objections raised by the petitioner in accordance with law.

For Petitioner : Mr.S.Ramsundarvijayraj For R1 to R3 : Mr.K.Govindarajan Deputy Solicitor General of India For R4 : Mr.M.Senthil Ayyanar Government Advocate For R5 : Mrs.M.Aasha Government Advocate (Criminal Side)

O R D E R

The present writ petition has been filed seeking a Mandamus directing the respondents 1 to 3 to invoke Rule 25 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 and refer the film titled “Draupathi II”, produced by the sixth respondent, to a duly constituted Revising Committee, based on the petitioner's representation dated 12.01.2026.

2. A perusal of the affidavit filed in support of the writ petition reveals that the petitioner is not espousing any personal cause before this Court and it has been filed in Public Interest on behalf of Ambalakarar Kallar Community on the ground that distorted history is being depicted in the Movie.

3. The learned Deputy Solicitor General of India appearing for the respondents 1 to 3 submitted that the film has been certified by the second respondent on 31.12.2025 in “UA 16+”. He further submitted that so far this film has not been released.

4. In such circumstances, this Court is of the opinion that the petitioner is at liberty to file a Public Interest Litigation, after seeing the movie, if he is so advised.

5. Accordingly, this writ petition stands closed. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently connected Miscellaneous Petition stands closed.

21.01.2026 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No ebsi To

1. The Chairperson, The Central Board of Film Certification, Films Division Complex, Phase – I Building, 9th Floor, Dr.G.Deshmukh Marg, Mumbai – 400 026.

2. The Examining Committee, The Central Board of Film Certification, Films Division Complex, Phase – I Building, 9th Floor, Dr.G.Deshmukh Marg, Mumbai – 400 026.

3. The Regional Officer, Central Board of Film Certification, No.35, Haddows Road, Shastri Bhavan, Chennai – 600 006.

4. The Secretary to the Government, Home Department, St.George Fort, Chennai.

5. The Director General of Police, O/o. the Director General of Police, Radha Krishnan Salai, Chennai.

R.VIJAYAKUMAR,J.

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21.01.2026