The Bombay High Court has ordered the CBFC to grant certification to Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi without cuts. The court dismissed claims of obscenity and defamation, upheld artistic freedom, and accepted a disclaimer. The film, based on The Monk Who Became Chief Minister, is now cleared for release.
In a significant decision that reaffirms the balance between artistic freedom and regulatory responsibility, the Bombay High Court has directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to grant a censor certificate to the film Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi without demanding cuts or modifications. The ruling clears the way for the film’s theatrical release after months of delay, marking a notable moment in the ongoing debate around censorship, creative freedom, and political sensitivities in India’s film industry.
The verdict was delivered on Monday after the bench, which had earlier chosen to view the film itself, found no grounds for denying certification. The judges noted that the CBFC’s objections lacked substance and that the movie, despite its controversial subject matter, did not cross legal or moral boundaries.
Court Rejects CBFC’s Objections
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Ram Apte, representing the CBFC, argued that the film contained obscene material and could potentially defame Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. However, when asked directly by the bench whether he had personally watched the film, Apte admitted that he had not. This admission undermined the credibility of the CBFC’s arguments.
The bench, in its observations, stated, “We have seen the movie in its context, and we don’t see that anything needs to be re-edited. We have paused at every point you flagged. We have noted everything. We don’t find anything objectionable.” The court emphasized that the CBFC cannot withhold certification based merely on assumptions or unverified claims.
Disclaimer as a Middle Ground
To address concerns regarding possible misinterpretation, the bench recommended that the filmmakers include a disclaimer clarifying that the movie is a creative work inspired by fictionalized characters. The petitioners, Samrat Cinematics India Pvt. Ltd., readily agreed and presented a revised disclaimer, which the court accepted.
The court further pointed out that the film is based on the book The Monk Who Became Chief Minister, a widely known publication. When questioned, Advocate Apte conceded that he had not read the book, weakening the CBFC’s claim of potential defamation even further.
Filmmakers Challenged CBFC’s Multiple Cuts
The filmmakers, represented by advocates Ravi Kadam, Satatya Anand, and Nikhil Aradhe, highlighted the unreasonable demands made by the CBFC. Initially, the certification body had sought 29 cuts in the film, later reduced to 21 after a revision. The petitioners, however, maintained that such cuts were unnecessary and approached the court for relief.
They also cited previous judgments of the Bombay High Court, which clearly established that a movie cannot be denied certification solely because it portrays an individual or real-life events. The bench upheld this reasoning and struck down all of CBFC’s objections.
A Victory for Creative Freedom
The ruling comes at a time when Indian cinema continues to grapple with the tension between creative expression and regulatory oversight. The CBFC, often accused of acting under political influence, has faced criticism from filmmakers, artists, and activists who argue that excessive censorship stifles creativity and undermines the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution.
By directing the CBFC to certify Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi without cuts, the Bombay High Court has reaffirmed that regulatory bodies cannot arbitrarily impose restrictions. The decision also underscores the judiciary’s role as a safeguard against overreach in matters of artistic expression.
| Also Read: Thanilokah Murakkaari: Anthem of Lokah released by Dulquer Salmaan |
With the court’s directive, the film is now expected to hit theatres soon, potentially sparking both public debate and political discussion. Given its subject — loosely inspired by the life of Yogi Adityanath — the release may invite mixed reactions from audiences and political circles. However, the filmmakers’ legal victory sets a precedent that could influence how future films with politically sensitive themes are treated by the CBFC.
Ultimately, the judgment reinforces an important principle: while creative works may provoke differing opinions, they cannot be suppressed on speculative or unsubstantiated grounds.
