Will Consider Certifying "Manushi" Movie If Objectionable Content Is Removed: CBFC Tells Madras High Court In Vetri Maaran's Plea

The CBFC informed Justice N Anand Venkatesh that as per the previous order of the court, the reviewing board had watched the movie again and had provided the details of the portions/dialogues/scenes from the movie, to which it had objections. The Board also informed the court that it was willing to consider certifying the movie, if it is submitted afresh, after removing the objectionable content.

“When the matter was taken up today, the learned central government senior panel counsel submitted that CBFC has provided all the details regarding the objectionable portions/dialogue/scenes from the movie to the petitioner and the relevant materials were placed before this court. The petitioner has also been informed that if he is willing to edit the objectionable content and resubmit the edited version, it can be considered,” the court noted in its order.

At the same time, Advocate Subash, appearing for Vetri Maaran, informed the court that he had objections with respect to the objectionable portions of the film, pointed out by the board. Since such objections could not be gone into in the present plea, the court gave liberty to Maaran to challenge the same in the manner known to law.

Maaran had approached the court after the CBFC refused to certify his movie. Maaran submitted that he had submitted an application for certification on September 11, 2024, but after screening the movie, the Regional Officer, CBFC, refused to certify the movie without providing any opportunity for a personal hearing.

Maaran further submitted that following the refusal, the movie was sent to the Revising Committee. he informed that the revising committee too, recommended not to certify the movie stating that it was against the integrity of the State, contemptuous of certain community group and defaming the policies of the Government. Maaran added that the Review Committee's refusal was without any personal hearing.

Maaran submitted that the procedure adopted by the Board was not in accordance with the provisions of the Cinematograph Act. He added that the blanket reason for refusal was manifestly arbitrary, untenable and not in accordance with the spirit of the country. Maaran also contended that the blanket order by the Board was nothing but an administrative ban imposed unreasonably that violated his right to trade and occupation.

Case Title: Vetri Maaran v. The Chairman, CBFC and Another

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Mad) 204

Case No: WP 18036 of 2025