The Bombay High Court issued a directive on September 4, instructing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to review objections raised by a Sikh organization regarding the film. The court mandated that the CBFC decide by September 18 whether to permit the film’s release.
The makers of Kangana Ranaut’s film Emergency have accused the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) of intentionally delaying its release at the behest of the ruling BJP. The filmmakers allege that the delay is aimed at avoiding controversy that could impact Sikh voters ahead of key elections.
On September 4, the Bombay High Court instructed the CBFC to consider representations filed by a Sikh group opposing the film’s release, and to decide by September 18 whether or not to clear the film. However, during a hearing on Thursday, the court learned that the CBFC had referred the matter to its revising committee, pushing the deadline to September 25.
Senior advocate Venkatesh Dhond, representing the film’s producer, argued that the delay is a calculated move by the CBFC, with political motivations tied to the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections on October 5. He claimed the BJP, to avoid alienating certain Sikh communities, wants to stall the release of a film made by one of its own MPs, Kangana Ranaut.
Justice Burgess Colabawalla questioned the logic behind the BJP working against its own member, but Dhond responded that Ranaut had been asked to “maintain discipline.” The court urged the CBFC to take a firm stance on the issue by the new deadline, expressing frustration over the delay.
Directed, produced, and starring Kangana Ranaut, Emergency focuses on the life of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and was initially slated for release on September 6. The film has faced significant opposition from Sikh organizations, which claim that certain scenes violate their community’s rights and historical accuracy. Both the Jabalpur Sikh Sangat and Sri Guru Singh Sabha have filed petitions with the CBFC, demanding changes and an apology from the filmmakers. Additionally, the Shiromani Akali Dal has issued a legal notice to halt the release.
With the controversy surrounding Emergency intensifying, all eyes are on the CBFC’s decision and its potential political repercussions.
