04-Sep-2024, 05:40 PM
In a major setback for Kangana Ranaut’s upcoming film ‘Emergency’, the Bombay High Court has refused to direct the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a certificate for the movie’s release. The court cited a recent order by the Madhya Pradesh High Court as the reason for its decision, stating that it could not go against the directive of another high court. The film, co-produced by Ranaut’s Manikarnika Films and Zee Studios, was scheduled for release on September 6. However, the Bombay High Court’s refusal to intervene means that the movie is unlikely to hit theaters anytime soon.
Objections from Sikh Organizations
‘Emergency’ has been embroiled in controversy since the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, a prominent Sikh organization, alleged that the film misrepresents the Sikh community and sought a ban on its release. Two Sikh groups from Jabalpur and Indore also filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, raising similar concerns. In response to the PIL, the CBFC informed the court that the movie had not yet been granted a certificate. The Madhya Pradesh High Court then directed the CBFC to consider the objections raised by the petitioners and make a decision on the certification by September 18.
Bombay High Court’s Stance
Zee Entertainment Enterprises, the co-producer of ‘Emergency’, had approached the Bombay High Court seeking a directive to the CBFC to issue the certificate. However, the court stated that it could not issue such an order as it would contradict the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s directive to the CBFC. The bench, comprising Justices BP Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla, noted that the CBFC had informed Manikarnika Films on August 8 that the movie was suitable for unrestricted public exhibition, subject to some modifications. The producers submitted the modified version on August 14, and on August 29, they received an email stating that the CD was sealed and a certificate was ready for collection. Despite this, the CBFC did not hand over the certificate, apparently due to the objections raised by Sikh organizations. The court rejected the CBFC’s argument that the certificate had not been issued, stating that once the producers complied with the required modifications, the CBFC should have issued the certificate.
Next Steps
The Bombay High Court has scheduled the next hearing in the case for September 19. In the meantime, the CBFC has been directed to consider the objections raised by the Sikh groups and make a decision on the certification by September 18, as per the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s order. The delay in the certification process has put the release of ‘Emergency’ in jeopardy, as the producers will need to secure a certificate before the movie can hit theaters. The controversy surrounding the film has also raised questions about the role of the CBFC and the challenges faced by filmmakers in navigating the certification process.
