Mumbai, Aug 25 (IANS) – The Bombay High Court has directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to grant a censor certificate for the upcoming film Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi and clear it for theatrical release without any cuts or modifications.
The court issued the order on Monday after reviewing the matter of CBFC’s repeated non-compliance. The bench had watched the film over the weekend and concluded there was no reason to deny it certification.
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Ram Apte, representing the CBFC, argued that the film contained obscene content and could defame Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. When the bench asked if he had seen the film, Apte admitted he had not.
The court suggested an additional disclaimer clarifying that the film is a creative work based on fictional characters. The filmmakers submitted a modified disclaimer, which the bench approved and directed to be attached to the film.
After viewing the movie, the judges stated:
“We have seen the film in its context and paused at every point flagged. We found nothing objectionable or requiring re-editing.”
The petitioners, Samrat Cinematics India Pvt. Ltd., represented by advocates Ravi Kadam, Satatya Anand, and Nikhil Aradhe, highlighted that although CBFC initially suggested 29 cuts (later reduced to 21 by its revision committee), the filmmakers were unwilling to accept them, leading them to approach the court.
The bench noted that the film is based on the book The Monk Who Became Chief Minister and asked Apte whether he had read it; he responded in the negative.
The petitioners’ lawyers also cited a prior Bombay High Court ruling that a movie cannot be denied certification merely because it portrays real individuals or events.
Striking down all reasons given by CBFC for withholding the certificate, the court directed the board to grant certification and allow the film’s theatrical release.
