The Andhra Pradesh High Court in the case observed and has decided not to extend the interim stay granted for the theatrical release of the ‘Rajdhani files’ after being satisfied that prima facie the certificate was granted in accordance with the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
The bench headed by Justice Ninala Jayasurya in the case observed and has called for the records maintained by the certificate granting authorities to verify whether reasons had been assigned while granting certification to the film.
The court in the case ordered for an interim stay in the exhibition of the movie. Thus, the movie was scheduled to be released on the February 15, 2024 in theatres.
The bench while passing the order had drawn multiple similarities between the present plea and the proceedings which are initiated before the Telangana High Court challenging the exhibition certificate issued to the movie ‘Vyuham’.
It has been contended by the petitioner that the movies were to influential political personalities and depicted controversial issues that were pending adjudication before the appropriate courts.
It was also contended before the court that the revising committee failed to note reasons while granting the certification.
The Telangana high Court in the case observed and has set aside the certification granted to the producers of the movie, had noted that no reasons were noted by the revising committee; among other irregularities.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court while following the precedent laid down by it Telangana High Court stayed the exhibition of the movie for one day and directed the relevant authorities to produce all documents related to the granting of the certificate.
The court noted that both the Examining Committee as well as the Revising Committee had assigned reasons while granting the U/A certificate.
The court stated that the Members of both the Examining Committee and the Revising Committee had assigned reasons while granting U/A Certificate to the film in question….Thus, the said court is satisfied that the certification of the subject matter film was done in accordance with the Cinematograph Act and the Rules made thereunder. For the same reason, the interim stay dated February 15, 2024 is not extended.
The court while considering the facts and circumstances of the case observed and has dismissed the interlocutory application praying for suspension and the respondents were to file counters in the main plea.
Accordingly, the court listed the matter for further consideration on March 11, 2024.
The counsel, Sai Manoj Reddy L. appeared for the Petitioner. The counsel, Jupudi V.K. Yagnadutt represented the respondent.