'Jana Nayagan' Movie Case : Live Updates From Supreme Court Hearing

Supreme Court dismisses 'Jana Nayagan' film producer KVN Production's plea seeking CBFC clearance.

SC asks the petitioner to raise the arguments before the Madras High Court's Division Bench.

SC asks the High Court to "endeavour to decide the appeal on Jan 20th".

BREAKING| Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain 'Jana Nayagan' Film Producer's Plea For CBFC Clearance, Asks Madras HC To Decide On Jan 20

Order: Let the division bench decide on January 20

Justice Datta says that the precedent cited by the single bench was not applicable to the present case, as it related to a service matter.

Rohatgi claims that the entire exercise of the CBFC was "mala fide". "You go before the Division Bench," Justice Datta says. "Film is a perishable commodity. This is all done for a single reason," Rohatgi pleads.

"We are not inclined to interfere," Justice Datta affirms. Rohatgi then requests the Court to ask the High Court to decide on January 20th itself. "I have lost everything," he exclaims

Justice Datta points out that the CBFC Chairperson's order dated January 6, referring the matter to the Revising Committee, was not challenged. When the Division Bench has listed the matter for January 20, then there is no need for the Supreme Court to interfere at this juncture, Justice Datta observes.

Rohatgi submits that the communication from the CBFC received on January 5, saying that the film has been referred to the Revising Committee, was challenged. He says that this communication was the same as the January 6 order of the Chairperson. He says that the writ petition was filed challenging the January 5 order, and pending the challenge, the January 6 order was uploaded. Justice Datta says that the writ petition should have been amended to challenge the January

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for KVN, submits that it is a long-settled industry practice to announce the release date before CBFC clearance. He said that over 5000 theatres were booked.

Justice Datta comments on the brisk manner in which the single bench disposed of the matter within one day. "We would welcome all the judges to dispose the matters within a day or two of its filing. But this should happen in all cases. This is a blistering pace...matter filed on 6th, decided on 7th...when the matter is fixed before the division bench on 20th, they have a right of appeal...."