Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency To NOT Release On Sept 6 As HC Denies Censor Board To Issue Certificate Immediately

The Bombay High Court addressed a petition from Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited regarding Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency on Wednesday, September 4. The court noted that a one-week delay in the film's release would not have a significant impact. The petition requested a physical copy of the censor certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to facilitate the film's scheduled release on September 6. Justices B P Colabawalla and Firdosh P Pooniwalla stated, "We will not dispose of the plea. But let them (CBFC) examine (in three days) it (objections) as per MP High Court order. If it is (release of film) delayed by one week, it is not going to make any difference."

Advocate Abhinav Chandrachud, representing the CBFC, informed the court that the Madhya Pradesh High Court had instructed the Board to address the objections raised against the film before issuing the censor certificate. He clarified that the CBFC had not yet granted the certificate and that the film's certification was still under review by the appropriate authorities. He added: "The director of the film is a Member of Parliament and understands the sensitivity of the matter."

Senior advocate Venkatesh Dhond, representing Zee Entertainment, contended, "CBFC should say that it has issued the certificate and it is for law and enforcement machinery to deal with unrest or protest and the Board has done its job. They cannot say now that there might be unrest and we will rethink the certification. The MP High Court order does not come in way of Bombay HC deciding the issue."

In response, the court observed that the Madhya Pradesh High Court's order does not specify that it would not impact the proceedings before the Bombay High Court. Additionally, the court highlighted that a Supreme Court bench led by the Chief Justice of India had stated that maintaining law and order is the responsibility of law enforcement, not the CBFC.

The MP court had instructed the CBFC to review the representations from Sikh groups that had submitted petitions. The CBFC has been directed to make a decision by September 18, with the next hearing scheduled for September 19.

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About Emergency

The film, directed by Kangana Ranaut, delves into politically sensitive themes and has generated substantial debate. Featuring a distinguished cast including Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik, it is set during India's 1975 Emergency period.

Kangana stars as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and the newly released trailer has piqued interest by showcasing young Indira Gandhi's relationship with her father, the late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and her foray into politics. The trailer also explores her handling of political turmoil and key events, such as the Emergency, the Shimla Agreement, the Khalistan movement, and the JP Andolan.

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