**Bombay High Court Issues Notice to CBFC Over Film Certification Delay**
The Bombay High Court has issued a notice to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in response to a petition from Samrat Cinematics India Pvt. Ltd., the production company behind the film “Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi.” The bench, comprising Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Dr. Neela Gokhale, is set to revisit the filmmakers’ plea on July 17.
The production house alleges that the CBFC has exhibited an “arbitrary, unreasonable, and unexplained delay” in processing certification applications for their upcoming feature film. The film draws inspiration from Shantanu Gupta’s book, “The Monk Who Became Chief Minister,” which chronicles the life and leadership of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
According to the filmmakers, the CBFC has requested a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) of Uttar Pradesh, a demand they describe as “erroneous, extraneous, and baseless,” asserting that no such requirement exists under the Cinematograph Act or its associated rules. They further contend that this request is merely a tactic to postpone the film’s release.
The filmmakers have pointed out that the book has received official endorsement from the CMO, which they believe should alleviate any concerns regarding the film’s content. They have submitted multiple certification applications to the CBFC, including those for the main film, teaser, trailer, and a promotional song, all within a reasonable timeframe. However, they claim the CBFC has not acted on these applications within the statutory deadlines established by the Cinematograph Act and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules.
“Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi” is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on August 1, 2025. The production team has already invested nearly Rs 30 crores in pre-release expenses, including marketing and distribution, with an additional Rs 10 crores anticipated before the film’s debut.
**FAQ**
**Q: What is the main issue between Samrat Cinematics and the CBFC?**
A: The main issue is the alleged delay by the CBFC in processing certification applications for the film “Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi,” along with a disputed demand for a No Objection Certificate from the Chief Minister’s Office.