Madras High Court Slams CBFC Delays, Clears Vijay’s Jana Nayagan with U/A 16+ Certificate

Madras HC Clears Jana Nayagan, Flags Procedural Lapses

The Madras High Court has stepped in to clear Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan, granting the film a U/A 16+ certificate while strongly criticising the CBFC for raising objections at the final stage of the certification process.

Court Questions Eleventh-Hour Objections

The court observed that objections raised after an examining committee has already made its recommendations cannot be allowed to stall or derail the release of a film. It termed such last-minute reversals as legally unsustainable and damaging to the certification framework.

Warning of a “Dangerous Trend”

Justice PT Asha noted that entertaining post-recommendation dissent from committee members could set a harmful precedent. The court warned that such actions would erode the authority and credibility of the CBFC’s examining committees.

The judge further clarified that once suggested modifications are implemented, the issuance of the certificate should follow automatically, without additional hurdles or unilateral interventions.

Certification Delay Forced Legal Intervention

The makers of Jana Nayagan approached the High Court after the film’s certification was delayed despite advance bookings opening in India and overseas. According to the production team, the postponement resulted in heavy financial losses and disrupted release plans.

Release Plans Revised

With the court directing the CBFC to issue the U/A 16+ certificate, the film has now been cleared for theatrical release. Industry insiders suggest the makers may announce a new release date shortly, with the Pongal 2026 festive window emerging as a strong possibility.

Next Hearing Scheduled

The court has listed a follow-up hearing later today to address remaining procedural aspects, even as the verdict has already provided major relief to the film’s team.