Makers Of Yogi Adityanath-Inspired Film Move Bombay High Court Over Delay In Certification; Court Seeks CBFC's Reply

Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi, inspired by Shantanu Gupta's book The Monk Who Became Chief Minister, was scheduled for theatrical release on August 1. But the film is yet to be certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The makers of the film have moved the Bombay High Court against the 'arbitrary' and 'unexplained' delay in certification of the upcoming film, which is purportedly based on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath's life.

As per a report in Live Law, a bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Dr Neela Gokhale issued a notice on the plea filed by the makers, Samrat Cinematics India Pvt. Ltd. The court directed the CBFC to decide on the film's certification as early as possible.

The petitioners claimed that CBFC has made a 'baseless' demand to bring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the UP Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

The petition read: "The Petitioner is further aggrieved by the CBFC's erroneous, extraneous and baseless demand for a NOC from the CMO of Uttar Pradesh —despite there being no such requirement existing under the statute i.e. Cinematograph Act or the Rules framed thereunder. It is pertinent to note that such an erroneous requirement / request is not only extremely prejudicial to the professional interests of the Petitioner but also detrimental to its financial interests."

The petitioners further stated the demanding of an NOC is "irrational, unreasonable and illegal demand" just to delay the release of the film.

"It is also a matter of fact and record that the book which forms the foundational inspiration for the motion picture Ajey, has been officially endorsed by the CMO, Uttar Pradesh. This official recognition is a clear testament to the bona fide intentions of the author and the truthful, respectful, and inspiring portrayal of the life and public leadership of a prominent contemporary political figure. It is submitted that the purpose of the film is not only to depict the journey of a leader in public service but also to motivate and inspire the youth of the nation through a narrative grounded in fact and integrity," the petitioners stated.

A report in PTI states that the plea came up for hearing on Tuesday, July 15, when a CBFC official sought time to get a lawyer. The court agreed and issued notice to the censor board. The next hearing is on July 17.

The makers' counsel Ravi Kadam and advocates Satatya Anand and Nikhil Aradhe said that the censor board has not even scheduled a screening of the movie, teaser and promotional song. A film screening which was scheduled for July 7, was abruptly cancelled the day before, without any information.

Directed by Ravindra Gautam, Ajey stars Anant Joshi, Paresh Rawal, Sarwar Ahuja and Rajesh Khattar, among others.