Makers Of Film On Yogi Adityanath Move Bombay High Court Over Delay In Certification

The makers of the film "Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi" have moved the Bombay High Court against the 'arbitrary' and 'unexplained' delay on the part of the Centra Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in deciding its application for certification of the film, which is slated to release on August 1.

A division bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Dr Neela Gokhale issued notice on the plea filed by the makers - Samrat Cinematics India Pvt. Ltd. who seek a direction to the CBFC to decide on the film's certification as early as possible. 

Notably, the film in question, is inspired by the book “The Monk Who Became Chief Minister” authored by Shantanu Gupta, which is purportedly based on the life of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The petitioners have highlighted the fact that the CBFC has made a 'baseless' demand which is to bring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the UP Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

"The Petitioner is further aggrieved by the CBFC's erroneous, extraneous and baseless demand for a NOC from the CMO of Uttar Pradesh —despite there being no such requirement existing under the statute i.e. Cinematograph Act or the Rules framed thereunder. It is pertinent to note that such an erroneous requirement / request is not only extremely prejudicial to the professional interests of the Petitioner but also detrimental to its financial interests," the petition reads. 

The petitioners have stated that this (demanding an NOC) "irrational, unreasonable and illegal demand" being put forward by the CBFC for obtaining a NOC from the CMO's office, is nothing but a ploy to delay the release of the motion picture “Ajey” that too when the same is due for theatrical release on August 1st, 2025.

"It is also a matter of fact and record that the book which forms the foundational inspiration for the motion picture 'Ajey', has been officially endorsed by the CMO, Uttar Pradesh. This official recognition is a clear testament to the bona fide intentions of the author and the truthful, respectful, and inspiring portrayal of the life and public leadership of a prominent contemporary political figure. It is submitted that the purpose of the film is not only to depict the journey of a leader in public service but also to motivate and inspire the youth of the nation through a narrative grounded in fact and integrity," the petitioners have stated. 

The bench had placed the matter for further hearing on July 19.

Senior Advocate Ravi Kadam along with Advocates Satatya Anand and Nikhil Aradhe appeared for the Petitioners.