India’s Supreme Court on Thursday declined to intervene in the ongoing dispute over certification and release Jan NayganThe much awaited Tamil film starring Vijay. The case – currently pending before a division bench of the Madras High Court – will now be decided there, with the top court urging the high court to resolve the issue by January 20, 2026.
Supreme Court refuses to intervene in Jan Nayakan release controversy; Madras HC asked to decide by January 20
creator of Jan Naygan The Supreme Court was approached after the Madras High Court stayed an earlier order directing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to grant a U/A certificate to the film. Due to this ban, the release of the film, which was originally scheduled for earlier this month, is in limbo.
A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and AG Masih heard the petition filed by KVN Productions challenging the high court’s decision to stay the single judge’s direction. Senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi, representing the producers, argued that the delay in certification was causing “serious damage”, noting that film release schedules and promotional investments are time-sensitive.
However, the Supreme Court said that since a division bench of the Madras High Court has already heard the matter and listed it for next hearing on January 20, there is “no occasion” for the apex court to bypass the high court process at this stage. The top court did not make any substantive comments on the merits of the certification dispute, instead directing that all disputes be raised before the High Court.
Jan Naygan – directed by H. Vinoth and starring Pooja Hegde, Prakash Raj and Gautham Vasudev Menon – has generated significant public interest, as it is widely seen as the superstar’s last cinematic role before his full entry into politics.
The film initially received a recommendation for certification from the CBFC’s screening committee after the producers agreed to the suggested cuts. However, the chairperson later referred the film to a vetting committee following an objection that reportedly raised concerns over some of the content – a development that sparked a legal challenge.
In response to the certification delay and stay order, the filmmakers postponed the release and moved the courts for relief. The Supreme Court’s decision to refuse interim intervention means Jan Naygan We will have to wait for the decision of the Madras High Court next week.
