Jana Nayagan Case: Madras High Court Allows Plea Withdrawal
The Madras High Court on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, permitted the producers of actor Vijay’s film Jana Nayagan to withdraw their writ petition challenging the Central Board of Film Certification in what has become a closely watched legal dispute. The decision effectively clears the way for the CBFC’s revising committee to review the film afresh, following weeks of legal back and forth.
Justice P.T. Asha dismissed the writ petition as withdrawn after KVN Productions LLP informed the court that it had decided to accept the CBFC chairperson’s decision to refer the film to a revising committee.
The Jana Nayagan case has drawn national attention, not only because of the actor’s stature but also due to the film’s alleged political undertones and the timing of its release.
What Triggered the Jana Nayagan Case
The controversy began after the film was submitted to the CBFC under the tatkal certification process in December 2025.
An examining committee comprising five members viewed the film and recommended a U/A 16+ certificate, subject to certain cuts and modifications. According to court records cited in the proceedings, the producers carried out the suggested excisions and resubmitted the edited version.
However, the certification process took an unexpected turn when a member of the examining committee reportedly raised concerns. The complaint allegedly pointed to the absence of an expert on Army-related matters, despite scenes referencing the armed forces. There were also claims that certain sequences could hurt religious sentiments.
Following this, the CBFC chairperson referred the film to a nine-member revising committee, effectively putting the certification on hold.
Legal Battle and Interim Orders
In response to the delay, KVN Productions moved the Madras High Court in early January 2026, seeking a direction to the CBFC to issue a U/A 16+ certificate within 24 hours.
A single judge initially directed the CBFC to certify the film. However, the board promptly filed an appeal before a Division Bench, which granted an interim stay on the single judge’s order.
The matter then travelled through multiple legal stages. The Division Bench later set aside the earlier order and remanded the case back for fresh consideration, noting procedural concerns and emphasising that the CBFC should be given an opportunity to present its case fully.
The Supreme Court was also approached at one stage but declined to interfere with the High Court’s interim order, sending the matter back to the High Court bench.
Producers Opt for Revising Committee Route
With the Division Bench having passed its order in late January, the matter was awaiting further listing. Instead of continuing the litigation, the producers informed the High Court registry that they would withdraw the writ petition.
In court, counsel for the production house stated that the company had decided to accept the reference to the revising committee and no longer wished to pursue the legal challenge.
Justice Asha accordingly dismissed the petition as withdrawn, bringing the court proceedings in the Jana Nayagan case to a temporary close.
Release Delayed by Over a Month
Originally slated for a January 9, 2026 release, Jana Nayagan has now been delayed by more than a month due to the certification dispute.
The timeline of events includes:
- December 18, 2025: Film submitted for certification
- December 22, 2025: Examining committee recommends U/A 16+ with cuts
- December 24, 2025: Edited version resubmitted
- Late December: Complaint leads to referral to revising committee
- Early January: Writ petition filed in Madras High Court
- January 27: Division Bench sets aside single judge’s order
- February 10: Writ petition withdrawn
The delay has intensified public interest, particularly as the film is widely viewed as Vijay’s last major release before a potential full-time entry into politics.
Political Undertones Add to Scrutiny
Observers have noted that the Jana Nayagan case unfolded against the backdrop of heightened political attention. Vijay has recently emerged as a significant political figure in Tamil Nadu, and the film’s release is seen by some as symbolically important.
While there is no official statement linking the certification dispute to political considerations, the combination of legal challenges, Army-related content and religious sensitivity concerns has ensured that the case remains in the spotlight.
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What Happens Next
With the writ petition withdrawn, the film will now undergo review by the CBFC’s revising committee, comprising nine members. The committee will decide whether the film qualifies for a U (unrestricted), U/A, or A (adults only) certificate.
There is currently no confirmed release date. Industry sources indicate that the producers are awaiting the revising committee’s decision before announcing a new schedule.
The outcome of the Jana Nayagan case will likely set the tone for how high-profile films navigate certification disputes in the months ahead.
For now, the legal chapter appears paused, but the film’s fate rests with the CBFC’s next move.
