The Madras High Court on Friday directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a U/A 16+ censor certificate to the much-awaited Tamil film. Jan Naygan Starring Vijay, but the board has appealed against the decision, keeping the film’s release status uncertain. The producer, KVN Productions LLP, had approached the High Court after the CBFC failed to grant timely certification for the film’s planned January 9 theatrical release, leading to a last-minute postponement and legal challenge.
Jan Nayakan censor row: Madras HC division bench stays single judge’s order granting UA certificate, hearing adjourned to Jan 21
A single-judge bench led by Justice PT Asha intervened and quashed the direction that the film was referred to a review committee and instead ordered the CBFC to immediately issue a U/A certificate. The court said that once the scrutiny committee had recommended U/A certification subject to cuts and those cuts were carried out, certification should automatically follow. The judge also said that the objections raised later by a member were effectively an “afterthought”.
However, the CBFC has appealed against the Chief Justice’s order, arguing that the single judge did not give the board an opportunity to file a counter affidavit and the judge exceeded the scope of the relief requested. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that a single judge cannot alter the certification process and the Chairman has the power to refer a film to the vetting committee under the rules.
During the hearing, senior lawyers highlighted procedural concerns. The producers’ lawyer reiterated that the regional CBFC office had informed them on December 22, 2025, that the film would get a U/A certificate after the prescribed cuts – which the producers have complied with – and only the formal release is yet to happen. The High Court questioned why the release date was fixed before the certificates were in hand and why the Board was not given a short period to officially respond to the petition.
The court also considered broad procedural safeguards and urged that statutory bodies as well as individual litigants should be given adequate opportunities to respond.
Justice Asha’s order emphasized that the CBFC chairman acted “without jurisdiction” in reopening the certification after the film was cleared by the screening committee, which is based on the cinematograph certification rules. Under the Board’s internal procedure, once the investigation committee’s decision is communicated and trifled with, a formal certificate is expected to be issued without any hurdles.
While the high court directed immediate certification, the appeal before the Chief Justice means the enforcement of the single judge’s order has been stayed, and the case has been adjourned for further hearing on January 21. delay means Jan NayganDespite advance bookings and interest, its release is hanging in the balance.
Jan NayganDirected by H. Vinoth and starring Vijay along with Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Mamita Baiju and others, is one of the most awaited Tamil films of this season. The company behind the film had highlighted the financial stakes and timing around the Pongal 2026 release window, underlining the commercial implications of the delay in certification.
