Bombay High Court Criticizes Delay in Certification of Kangana Ranaut’s Film “Emergency”

Zee Entertainment, co-producer of the film Emergency, told the Bombay High Court that the CBFC has delayed the film’s certification because of concerns that it may impact the BJP’s chances in the Haryana elections. Senior Advocate Venkatesh Dhond argued that the film is perceived as anti-Sikh, and since Haryana has a significant Sikh population, the BJP fears backlash. He noted that a co-producer is a BJP MP, complicating matters further.

The Bombay High Court Bench, consisting of Justices BP Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla, did not accept this argument but expressed dissatisfaction with the CBFC’s delay in taking a decision. The Court emphasized that the CBFC should focus on certifying films based on creative merits rather than potential law-and-order implications, as such scrutiny could unduly curb artistic freedom.

During the proceedings, CBFC’s counsel, Abhinav Chandrachud, stated that the Board was reviewing objections regarding the portrayal of a polarizing religious figure in the film. He contended that the CBFC was assessing whether these depictions were factually accurate. However, the court disagreed, stressing that films should not be evaluated like documentaries. The Bench underscored that the public is discerning enough to differentiate fiction from reality and that excessive interference could stifle creative expression.

Production and Release Hurdles

The film Emergency has faced delays and controversies, with concerns raised by the Sikh community about its content. The Bombay High Court had earlier denied Zee Studios’ request for immediate relief, keeping the release of the movie on hold. This decision followed a directive from the Madhya Pradesh High Court, instructing the CBFC to address the objections in a public interest litigation filed by Sikh representatives.

The delay in certification has led to significant frustration for the filmmakers, especially since they had been informed of the film’s approval on August 29. Despite this, the CBFC has not issued a physical copy of the certificate, complicating plans for the film’s release. The movie was initially scheduled to premiere on September 6, but the ongoing legal and regulatory challenges have postponed its debut.

The Bombay High Court has now ordered the CBFC’s review committee to finalize its decision on the film’s release by September 25. This directive aims to prevent further delays and provide clarity to the filmmakers. The court highlighted the importance of adhering to deadlines, particularly in cases involving creative works, to ensure that regulatory processes do not become tools for suppression or undue influence.

The legal wrangling over Emergency not only affects the filmmakers but also raises broader issues about the role of censorship in India’s film industry. The case exemplifies the challenges faced by filmmakers dealing with politically sensitive subjects and the balancing act required by regulatory bodies like the CBFC. While it is crucial to consider public sentiments, it is equally important to protect the freedom of artistic expression.

Future Prospects for the Film

The outcome of this case will have implications beyond the release of Emergency. It could influence how future films are treated by the CBFC and potentially reshape the landscape of film censorship in India. The case serves as a reminder of the fine line between regulation and censorship, and the need for a transparent, fair process that respects both societal concerns and creative freedoms.

As the deadline of September 25 approaches, all eyes are on the CBFC and its review committee. The decision they make will not only impact the release of Emergency but also set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. The entertainment industry, legal observers, and the public are keenly awaiting the verdict, which could either pave the way for the film’s release or extend the impasse further.