Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Tuesday directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to respond to a petition filed by Samrat Cinematics, alleging “arbitrary, unreasonable and unexplained” delay in certifying their upcoming film Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi, based on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
A bench of Justices Revat Mohite-Dere and Neela Gokhale issued notice to the CBFC and posted the matter for hearing on July 17. The court remarked that the Board was bound by statutory timelines under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, and could not ignore its obligations.
The petitioners, represented by senior advocate Ravi Kadam and advocates Satatya Anand and Nikhil Aradhe, said the film — inspired by the book The Monk Who Became Chief Minister — is slated for release on August 1. However, despite applying for certification on June 5, the CBFC neither scheduled a screening nor processed their application.
Under the Rules, the Board is required to scrutinise applications within seven days and refer films for screening within 15 days. The filmmakers also alleged that the CBFC made an “erroneous and baseless” demand for a No Objection Certificate from the UP Chief Minister’s Office, though there is no such legal requirement.
On July 3, they reapplied under the priority scheme, paying thrice the normal fee as per Rule 33(2). A screening was scheduled for July 7 but was abruptly cancelled without explanation.
The petition also covers delays in certifying the teaser, trailer, and promotional song. The filmmakers claimed the CBFC’s inaction violates their rights and jeopardises the scheduled release.
