Bombay HC pulls up CBFC for not providing objections to film on UP CM Yogi Adityanath, makers to appeal rejection

A bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Neela K Gokhale was hearing a plea by Samrat Cinematics India Pvt Ltd, the makers of the movie, Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi, who had approached the HC last month.

The petitioners said the movie, inspired by the book, The Monk Who Became Chief Minister, authored by Shantanu Gupta, was scheduled to be released in theatres on August 1.

The makers had alleged “unreasonable and arbitrary” delay by the CBFC in clearing the movie. The HC had earlier asked the board to watch the movie and pass a reasoned order.

On Thursday, senior advocate Abhay Khandeparkar for CBFC informed the bench that the board screened the movie as per HC’s directions and passed an order on August 6 rejecting to certify the movie. He said the makers can approach the revising panel of the board to challenge the decision.

Khandeparkar claimed the objections raised by CBFC were not only that the movie was based on a Constitutional figure, but certain scenes could be considered as “defamatory” and “objectionable”.

On the other hand, advocate Aseem Naphade for the filmmakers claimed the CBFC did not inform them about “objectionable” scenes or dialogues before rejection to certify it despite it being mandated under the Cinematograph Act.

The HC then pulled up the board and observed a mere two-line reason given by the CBFC was “not enough” and said it should have been brought to the makers’ notice so that they could consider giving a “disclaimer”.

The HC orally remarked that the CBFC’s order was not adhering to the rules. The court also clarified that the board will not insist on any certificate or affidavit from any authority to certify the film. The HC will hear the plea next on August 14.