O R D E R:

This Writ Petition is filed seeking a direction to Respondent No.2 - Central Board of Film Certification to review and change the U/A certification granted to Telugu feature film "GIRLFRIEND".

2. The case of petitioner, as pleaded in the affidavit filed in support of the writ petition, is that he is a social worker who believes in preserving moral values in society and considers it his responsibility to oppose activities affecting the morality of the younger generation. It is stated that he watched the Telugu film "GIRLFRIEND" at Sri Sai Ram Theater, Malkajgiri on 18.11.2025. According to petitioner, Respondent No.2 granted a "UA" Certificate permitting unrestricted public exhibition with parental guidance for children below the prescribed age; the certification is wholly inappropriate considering the overall theme, dialogues and portrayal in the film. It is specifically pleaded that the film depicts the lead hero entering the girls' hostel every night and that, when questioned by the father of the female lead, the caretaker/HOD justifies the conduct stating that the acts of two consenting adults cannot be questioned. According to petitioner, such portrayal sends a wrong message to the younger generation.

2.1. It is further pleaded that the depiction is capable of influencing the minds of parents and may discourage them from permitting their daughters to pursue higher education by residing in hostels. Petitioner further states that Indian society continues to place responsibility upon parents towards their daughters even after they attain majority and that such realities cannot be ignored while certifying films intended for public exhibition. He has also objected to the portrayal of the female lead concealing incidents occurring in the ladies' hostel, contending that such depiction may adversely influence viewers between 12 and 18 years of age. Objection is also raised regarding the scene wherein the lead actor changes his pants openly in the corridor of the ladies' hostel in the presence of other occupants, which according to petitioner is objectionable and inappropriate for adolescent viewers. On the above allegations, petitioner seeks issuance of ‘A’ Certificate instead of a ‘UA Certificate.

3. Respondents 1 and 2 filed counter opposing the Writ Petition. It is stated that Respondent No.2 granted certification strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983. The Central Government issued Guidelines under Section 5B(2) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 which govern the process of certification and that the Board acted strictly in accordance with those Guidelines. The film ‘Girl Friend’ (Telugu) was submitted for certification on 29.10.2025 and was examined on 30.10.2025 by the Examining Committee comprising the Examining Officer, CBFC, Hyderabad and four Advisory Panel Members drawn from different walks of life. According to them, the Examining Committee held detailed deliberations regarding the theme, treatment and presentation of the film in the light of the statutory Guidelines issued under Section 5B(2) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952. It is further pleaded that on the unanimous recommendation of the Examining Committee constituted under Rule 22 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983, the film was certified with "UA 13+" subject to excisions and modifications vide CC No. DIL/6/66/2025-HYD dated 03.11.2025 and Censor Certificate No. DIL/6/66/2025-HYD dated 03.11.2025.

3.1. It is also contende