Arulmanizionraja T v. Central Board of Film Certification

Madras HC12 Mar 2026WP/10104/2024

Case brief

AI extract

What is this about?

CBFC film certification refusal challenged via certiorarified mandamus under Article 226; Tamil film “Samugavirodhi”; Examining Committee view on 12.01.2014 and Revising Committee refusal; fresh approach to Revising Committee with undertaking to delete objectionable content as suggested by Experts; four-week timelines; W.P. No. 10104 of 2024; Madras High Court; M. Dhandapani, J.; disposed on 12-03-2026; no costs.

What did the court decide?

Petitioner directed to approach the CBFC Revising Committee afresh with an undertaking to remove the obscene content as suggested by its Experts within four weeks from receipt of a copy of the order; Revising Committee to pass appropriate orders on certification within four weeks thereafter; no order as to costs. ¶¶31

Arulmanizionraja T Vs Central Board of Film… — Writ and Judicial Review | Madras HC (2026)

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W.P. No. 10104 of 2024

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

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DATED: 12-03-2026

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CORAM

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THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI

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W.P. No. 10104 of 2024

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Arulmanizionraja T S/o.Thiridasan, No.150 Solomon Nagar, Vella, Arikkambedu, Vellanur, Tiruvallur District 600062.

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..Petitioner(s)

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Central Board of Film Certification Rep. by its Regional Officer, No.35 Haddows Road, Shastri Bhavan, Chennai 600006.

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..Respondent(s)

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PRAYER : The Writ Petition has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for the issuance of a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for records pertaining to the order dated 27.02.2024 passed by the respondent bearing CA032912202300024 and to quash the same as illegal and consequently direct the respondent to issue certificate to the Tamil Film “Samugavirodhi” as suitable for public exhibition.

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For Petitioner(s): Mr. R.Thirumoorthy

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For Respondent(s): Mr. K.S.Jeyaganeshan Senior Panel Counsel

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https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis

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W.P. No. 10104 of 2024

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ORDER

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The present Writ Petition has been filed for the issuance of a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for records pertaining to the order dated 27.02.2024 passed by the respondent bearing CA032912202300024 and to quash the same as illegal and consequently direct the respondent to issue certificate to the Tamil Film “Samugavirodhi” as suitable for public exhibition.

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The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner is the Director-cum-Producer of “Samugavirodhi” Tamil Movie. After making, the petitioner submitted the film before the Examining Committee of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), and the Committee viewed the film on 12.01.2014. Certification was subsequently refused, following which the petitioner preferred an appeal before the Revising Committee. The Revising Committee, by way of an order on 27.02.2014, also refused certification on the ground that the film glorifies drug use, misleads young adults into losing faith and confidence in social system by presenting a negative idea, demeans and degrades women throughout the film, glorifies unethical malpractices and depicts a direct replica of living characters and incidents. Aggrieved by the same, the present Writ Petition has been filed.

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https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis

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W.P. No. 10104 of 2024

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However, the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that

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this Court may permit the petitioner to approach the Revising Committee once again. The petitioner expresses readiness to remove the obscene by the Experts of the Revising Committee and, accordingly, he prays for appropriate orders.

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The learned Senior Panel Counsel appearing for the respondent would submit that if the petitioner approaches the Revising Committee again, providing an undertaking to remove the obscene as suggested by the Experts, an appropriate order will be passed.

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Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and the submissions made by both sides, this Court directs the petitioner to approach the Revising Committee afresh by giving an undertaking that he will remove the obscene as suggested by the Experts of the Revising Committee, within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. The Revising Committee may pass appropriate orders regarding the certification of the petitioner’s film within a period of four (4) weeks thereafter.

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https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis

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W.P. No. 10104 of 2024

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