‘Jana Nayagan’ censor row: Supreme Court to hear producer’s plea on January 15

Overview The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on January 15, 2026 , a plea filed by KVN Productions LLP , the producer of the Tamil film 'Jana Nayagan' starring Vijay . This plea challenges an interim order by the Madras High Court that stayed a single-judge direction to grant clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to the movie. The case highlights the complexities involved in film certification and the role of the judiciary in resolving disputes between filmmakers and regulatory bodies. Key Developments Initial Hurdles and High Court Intervention The film, 'Jana Nayagan' , was slated for a Pongal release on January 9, 2026 . The film faced last-minute hurdles when the CBFC did not issue certification in time. On January 9, 2026 , a single judge, Justice P.T. Asha , directed the CBFC to grant clearance, setting aside the board’s directive to refer the matter to a review committee. Division Bench Stay Order The CBFC appealed against the single judge’s order. A Division Bench of the High Court, comprising Chief Justice M.M. Shrivastava and G. Arul Murugan , granted an interim stay against the single judge’s verdict. The Division Bench cited that the CBFC was not granted sufficient opportunity to file its reply, as the petition was filed on January 6, 2026 . Supreme Court Appeal KVN Productions LLP filed an appeal in the Supreme Court on January 12, 2026 , challenging the Division Bench’s order. The Supreme Court initially listed the hearing for January 19, 2026 , but revised it to January 15, 2026 . The case will be listed before the Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant . Legal and Regulatory Context The case revolves around the powers and procedures of the CBFC in certifying films for public exhibition. The single judge had earlier noted that once the board decided to grant the certificate, the chairperson had no power to send the matter to the review committee. The CBFC , however, argued that its decision to refer the matter to the revising committee was not under challenge, but the single judge set aside the letter and gave directions for clearance. UPSC Relevance This case is relevant to GS2: Polity and Governance , specifically concerning the functioning of statutory bodies like the CBFC and the judicial review of administrative decisions. It also touches upon issues related to freedom of expression and censorship, which are important for understanding the balance between individual rights and regulatory oversight. Important Facts Film Name: Jana Nayagan Producer: KVN Productions LLP Starring: Vijay Original Release Date: January 9, 2026 (Pongal) Supreme Court Hearing Date: January 15, 2026 Challenged Order: Madras High Court's stay on CBFC clearance

‘Jana Nayagan’ censor row: Supreme Court to hear producer’s plea on January 15

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‘Jana Nayagan’ censor row: Supreme Court to hear producer’s plea on January 15

‘Jana Nayagan’ censor row: Supreme Court to hear producer’s plea on January 15

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