Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has pulled up the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for placing unnecessary hurdles in clearing a film inspired by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s life by insisting on a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from his office.
The film, titled "Ajeya - The Untold Story of a Yogi", is based on the life of Yogi Adityanath.
The movie, Ajeya – The Untold Story of a Yogi, portrays the life of Yogi Adityanath. According to the filmmakers, the CBFC’s CEO had demanded an NOC from Adityanath before issuing the censor certificate. Terming this condition unjustified, the filmmakers approached the Bombay High Court.
The matter was heard by a division bench comprising Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Neela Gokhale.
The court questioned how the CBFC could make a decision regarding certification without first viewing the film.
A division bench of Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Neela Gokhale questioned how the CBFC could take a decision on certification without first watching the film.
The judges directed the board to watch the film, identify any objectionable content, and communicate the same to the filmmakers.
Additionally, considering that the film is based on a person holding a constitutional position, the court instructed the board to inform Yogi Adityanath of any scenes or dialogues proposed to be removed.
However, the court made it clear that the CBFC must not compel the filmmakers to obtain a No Objection Certificate from Yogi Adityanath or his office, thereby setting a precedent for artistic freedom within constitutional limits.