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Madhya Pradesh HC Directs CBFC to Address Objections Before Certifying Kangana Ranaut's 'Emergency

The Madhya Pradesh High Court, in a recent hearing, directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to thoroughly consider the objections raised against the film Emergency before granting it a certification. The film, starring Kangana Ranaut, was originally slated for release on September 6, 2024, but certification by the CBFC is still pending.


The court, presided over by Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf, noted the submission by the Deputy Solicitor General, representing the Union of India, that the CBFC had not yet certified the film. In light of this, the court underscored the CBFC's responsibility as the competent authority to evaluate the film according to the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and related rules before issuing any certification.


The court's directive came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Jabalpur Sikh Sangat and Guru Singh Sabha Indore, represented by Advocate Narinder Pal Singh Ruprah. The petitioners argued that the film contains scenes that could mislead and potentially defame the Sikh community. They particularly highlighted concerns over the depiction of the term 'Khalistan,' asserting that it could foster discrimination against Sikh children who wear turbans by associating them with the Khalistani movement.


The petitioners sought an unconditional apology from Kangana Ranaut, who is both the actor and producer of the film, for allegedly misrepresenting and defaming the Sikh community. They claimed that the film's narrative is not only historically inaccurate but also defamatory and harmful to the sentiments of the Sikh community.


In disposing of the PIL, the court refrained from making any prejudgments, emphasizing that the CBFC must first consider the objections and representations made against the film's trailer and content before making a decision on certification. The court concluded that until a certificate is granted, there is no basis for passing further orders on the matter.






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