In a significant legal development, the Bombay High Court on Wednesday refused to grant relief to Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency by declining to order the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to certify the movie. This decision comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding the film’s content and objections raised by Sikh groups.
Court Upholds Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Order
A division bench comprising Justices BP Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla stated that they could not issue directions to the CBFC due to a prior order from the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The MP High Court had already directed the censor board to consider objections from Sikh organisations before certifying the film.
“The Madhya Pradesh HC has given the CBFC a direction. If we give any relief today then it would be directly in contravention to that order. We will be asking CBFC to breach another HC order if we pass any order today. We cannot do that. Judicial propriety demands that of us,” the bench noted.
Certification Pending Objections Review
The Bombay High Court further instructed the CBFC to consider the objections against *Emergency* and issue certification by September 18. The court expressed concerns over potential behind-the-scenes influences but refrained from making any direct comments.
“We know that there is something else happening behind. We don’t want to comment on it. The CBFC shall consider the objections and take a decision by September 18,” the bench added. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for September 19.
Zee Entertainment’s Petition
This decision follows a petition filed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises, the co-producer of *Emergency*, seeking the release of the film and the issuance of a censor certificate. The petition argued that the CBFC had “arbitrarily and illegally” withheld the film’s certificate despite being ready to issue it.
Madhya Pradesh High Court’s Directive
On Tuesday, the Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the CBFC to address the concerns raised by Sikh groups who argued that the film contained scenes potentially offensive to their religious sentiments. The court ordered the censor board to consider these objections before certifying the film.
Postponement of ‘Emergency’ Release
Originally scheduled for release on September 6, *Emergency* has faced delays due to the ongoing controversy. Sikh organisations, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, have accused the film of misrepresenting their community and distorting historical facts. As a result, the film’s release has been postponed indefinitely.
Kangana Ranaut, who plays the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the biographical drama, also directed and co-produced the film. Despite her involvement in various capacities, the movie’s fate now hinges on the CBFC’s certification process following the court’s orders.
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