The CBFC’s revising committee examined representations from Sikh groups raising concerns over the portrayal of the community in the movie trailer. (File)
The Bombay High Court Friday disposed of Zee Entertainment’s petition alleging that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) was “illegally” and “arbitrarily” withholding certification for the Kangana Ranaut-starrer Emergency film. The decision was taken after Zee Entertainment Enterprises, a co-producer of the film, informed the Bombay High Court that certain changes including cuts suggested by the revising committee of the CBFC were agreed with.
The producers said that, as per the arrangement made between the parties to the case, they will submit the revised master copy of the film within 30 days once such changes are made and the CBFC will verify the same and issue a certificate within 14 days (two weeks) thereafter.
“It is needless to say that while disposing of this petition, the Court has neither considered nor commented on the merits of the contentions of either parties. Any observations made in earlier orders shall be treated only as prima facie observations. All rights and contentions of parties are reserved,” a division bench of Justices B P Colabawalla and Firdosh P Pooniwalla noted in the order.
Last week, the CBFC told the high court that Ranaut’s Manikarnika Films had agreed to most of the changes its revising committee had sought for the release.
On Thursday, Zee Entertainment told the bench that it was working out with CBFC the issues over the issuance of a certificate for the movie and had sought more time to confirm changes recommended by the revising committee to the producers.
On Friday, senior advocate Sharan Jagtiani for Zee Entertainment submitted that an arrangement was made between the parties to the case and the cuts were carried out based on a September 28 email communication of CBFC to Manikarnika films suggesting changes to avail UA certificate for the film. In light of this, Jagtiani sought disposal of the plea.
Manikarnika films undertook to carry out the changes and once revised copy of the film is submitted to CBFC, it will verify the modifications and ensure they are complied with mandate set by CBFC and shall issue the certificate in the required format within 14 days after the verification process is complete
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Emergency is directed and co-produced by BJP MP Kangana Ranaut who also plays the role of former prime minister Indira Gandhi in the film.
The petitioner had contended a “political angle” that the Haryana polls scheduled on October 5 were the reason for the delay in the release of the certification.
The Board, giving reasons for granting UA certificate to the film subject to the modifications, said the film contained “scenes depicting political violence and unrest, along with mild references to atrocities against women” and, therefore, the committee has deemed it suitable for viewing with parental guidance.
The CBFC’s revising committee examined representations from Sikh groups raising concerns over the portrayal of the community in the movie trailer.
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Of the 13 changes, the committee recommended six insertions, four excisions, including removal of words “Sant” and “Bhindranwale” from a certain dialogue between two top political leaders, the deletion of a phrase praising Bhindranwale and the removal of certain visuals and dialogues involving the targeting of non-Sikhs.
It also asked the producers to delete a dialogue referring to Khalistan and tone down certain scenes depicting Sikhs. The Board had also asked the producers to make three modifications in scenes and dialogues.
Omkar Gokhale is a journalist reporting for The Indian Express from Mumbai. His work demonstrates exceptionally strong Expertise and Authority in legal and judicial reporting, making him a highly Trustworthy source for developments concerning the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court in relation to Maharashtra and its key institutions.
Expertise & Authority
Affiliation: Reports for The Indian Express, a national newspaper known for its rigorous journalistic standards, lending significant Trustworthiness to his legal coverage.
Core Authority & Specialization: Omkar Gokhale's work is almost exclusively dedicated to the complex field of legal affairs and jurisprudence, specializing in:
Bombay High Court Coverage: He provides detailed, real-time reports on the orders, observations, and decisions of the Bombay High Court's principal and regional benches. Key subjects include:
Fundamental Rights & Environment: Cases on air pollution, the right to life of residents affected by dumping sites, and judicial intervention on critical infrastructure (e.g., Ghodbunder Road potholes).
Civil & Criminal Law: Reporting on significant bail orders (e.g., Elgaar Parishad case), compensation for rail-related deaths, and disputes involving high-profile individuals (e.g., Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty).
Constitutional and Supreme Court Matters: Reports and analysis on key legal principles and Supreme Court warnings concerning Maharashtra, such as those related to local body elections, reservations, and the creamy layer verdict.
Governance and Institution Oversight: Covers court rulings impacting public bodies like the BMC (regularisation of illegal structures) and the State Election Commission (postponement of polls), showcasing a focus on judicial accountability.
Legal Interpretation: Reports on public speeches and observations by prominent judicial figures (e.g., former Chief Justice B. R. Gavai) on topics like free speech, gender equality, and institutional challenges.
Omkar Gokhale's consistent, focused reporting on the judiciary establishes him as a definitive and authoritative voice for legal developments originating from Mumbai and impacting the entire state of Maharashtra. ... Read More
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