Overview
- A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih refused to entertain KVN Productions’ petition and told the producers to argue before the Madras High Court’s division bench.
- The division bench’s interim stay on a single judge’s order to grant a U/A certificate remains in effect, leaving the film uncertified and its release postponed.
- Justice P.T. Asha had directed the CBFC on January 9 to issue a certificate after 27 modifications, but the High Court’s first bench stayed that order the same day and set a hearing for January 20.
- The CBFC chairperson referred the film to a Revising Committee under Rule 24 after a complaint about religious sensibilities and armed forces portrayal, a move the Supreme Court noted was not specifically challenged.
- Producers, represented by Mukul Rohatgi, cited over 5,000 theatres booked and claimed severe commercial loss, as the Supreme Court questioned the rush and praised consistent process through the proper forum.