Bombay High Court orders CBFC to certify Kangana's film 'Emergency' by September 25

The Bombay High Court has reprimanded the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for its prolonged delay in certifying Kangana Ranaut’s new film "Emergency". On Thursday, the court directed the CBFC's Revising Committee to finalize and communicate a decision on the film's certification no later than September 25, 2024.

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The court, led by Justices BP Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwala, expressed frustration over the CBFC's tactics, noting that the film submitted for certification on August 1st was still pending a decision in mid-September. "This is just passing the buck," remarked the bench after learning that the CBFC chairman had merely forwarded the case to a revising committee.

Senior advocate Venkatesh Dhond, representing the film's producers, alleged that the delay was politically motivated, coinciding with the upcoming Haryana elections where the content of "Emergency" could influence voter sentiment, especially given its portrayal that might be perceived as anti-Sikh. However, the court declined to delve into the political implications, stating, "We are not going into the political angle of the movie."

The court set a firm deadline for the CBFC, stating, "The law allows 20 days for certification. So let them release the certificate on the 25th of September." This ruling not only addresses the immediate issue of certification but also underscores the balance between regulatory oversight and artistic freedom in cinema.