In a significant development, the Bombay High Court has declined to grant relief to Kangana Ranaut’s much-anticipated film ‘Emergency’. On September 4, the court dismissed the plea by co-producer Zee Studios, stating that it could not direct the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a certificate. This decision was made in light of an earlier ruling by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, which instructed the CBFC to address concerns raised by the Sikh community in Jabalpur.
Release of ‘Emergency’ Delayed Further
This verdict means that the release of ‘Emergency’ will be delayed even longer. The film’s producers had approached the Bombay High Court, seeking certification for their project. However, the court ruled that any directive to the CBFC would contradict the existing order of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The MP High Court had previously directed the CBFC to hear the representations from Sikh groups who had filed petitions against the film. The CBFC is expected to announce its decision by September 18, with the next hearing scheduled for September 19.
Court’s Observations
During the hearing, the Bombay High Court bench remarked on the situation: “How can these groups (Sikh groups) know if a film is disturbing without having seen it? Perhaps, their concerns are based on a trailer. Moreover, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has already directed the CBFC to address these concerns. If we (Bombay High Court) order the issuance of a certificate, we would be asking them to violate another High Court’s ruling. We must adhere to the Madhya Pradesh High Court’s order.”
Today I have become everyone’s favourite target, this is the price you pay for awakening this sleeping nation, they don’t know what I am talking about they have no clue why I am so concerned, because they want peace, they don’t want to take sides. They are cool, you know…
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 4, 2024Kangana Ranaut’s Response
Kangana Ranaut expressed her disappointment following the court’s decision. The actress took to social media, sharing a lengthy post where she claimed to be targeted. Kangana wrote, “Today, I have become everyone’s favorite target; this is the price you pay for trying to awaken a sleeping nation. They do not understand what I am talking about. They don’t know why I am so concerned because they want peace, they don’t want to take sides. Haha, I wish that poor soldier on the border had the same privilege to remain calm and not take sides, and not consider Pakistanis/Chinese as the enemy. He is protecting you while you can be indifferent to terrorists or anti-nationals.”
The Controversy Surrounding ‘Emergency’
The controversy surrounding ‘Emergency’ began when the film, set to release on September 5, faced backlash from the Sikh community. The recently released trailer sparked protests and threats against its release, leading to the legal battle. In ‘Emergency’, Kangana Ranaut portrays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, a role that has drawn significant attention and controversy.
The film’s journey to the big screen now hangs in the balance as legal challenges continue, leaving audiences and creators in suspense.