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The release of Kangana Ranaut's highly anticipated film 'Emergency' has been thrown into uncertainty following a setback in the Bombay High Court. The court ruled that it cannot compel the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a certificate for the film, citing a previous order from the Madhya Pradesh High Court. This decision casts a shadow over the film's potential release date, which was initially slated for September 6th.
The controversy surrounding 'Emergency' began when Sikh organizations voiced their opposition to the film's release, alleging that it misrepresented the Sikh community. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the highest religious authority for Sikhs, demanded a ban on the film. Ranaut subsequently claimed that the CBFC had put the issued certificate on hold following this backlash.
The film, which delves into the period of Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975, has been at the center of a legal battle. Two Sikh organizations filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the movie in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, prompting the CBFC to inform the court that no certificate had been issued. The court subsequently dismissed the petition.
Zee Entertainment Enterprises, a co-producer of 'Emergency' alongside Manikarnika Films, approached the Bombay High Court seeking a directive for the CBFC to issue the certificate, paving the way for the film's release. However, the Bombay High Court cited the Madhya Pradesh High Court's order, which demanded that the CBFC consider representations from the Jabalpur Sikh Sangat before certifying the film. This prevented the Bombay High Court from issuing a directive to the CBFC.
The Bombay High Court acknowledged that the CBFC had initially indicated its intention to issue a certificate after some modifications were made to the film. However, the court noted that the final certificate had not been issued, stating that 'Judicial Propriety demands such orders ought not be passed.'
The court emphasized that it would be a breach of the Madhya Pradesh High Court's directive to force the CBFC to issue the certificate. However, it also recognized the financial implications of delaying the release, emphasizing that movies are typically released on Fridays and involve substantial investments. The court therefore directed the CBFC to make a decision on the objections by September 18th, with the next hearing scheduled for September 19th.
This ongoing legal battle highlights the complex interplay between artistic freedom, freedom of expression, and concerns regarding religious sentiments. The outcome of the CBFC's decision will determine the fate of 'Emergency' and whether it will ever reach audiences.
Source: Setback For Kangana Ranaut's 'Emergency' In High Court, No Censor Certificate Yet