**Title:** Bombay High Court to Hear Filmmaker on Censor Certificate Suspension
**Meta Description:** The Bombay High Court will hear filmmaker Raj Pritam More regarding the suspension of his film’s censor certificate, following objections from right-wing groups.
**URL Slug:** bombay-high-court-censor-certificate-suspension
**Headline:** Bombay High Court to Review Suspension of Censor Certificate for ‘Khalid ka Shivaji’
The Bombay High Court has announced that it will hear filmmaker Raj Pritam More before making any decisions regarding the extension of the suspension of the censor certificate for his Marathi film, ‘Khalid ka Shivaji.’ This hearing is expected to take place within the next few days. The film, which has garnered attention at various film festivals, has faced opposition from several right-wing groups. These groups have approached the Maharashtra government, claiming that the film misrepresents Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a highly respected Maratha ruler.
‘Khalid ka Shivaji’ narrates the story of a young Muslim boy who learns about the life and legacy of Shivaji Maharaj. The film received a Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on November 12, 2024, after the filmmakers made the necessary modifications suggested by the board. However, following the release of the film’s trailer, right-wing groups raised concerns about its portrayal of Shivaji Maharaj as a “secular” king and the depiction of a significant Muslim presence in his army. Critics argue that these representations are historically inaccurate and should not be depicted in the film.
On August 7, More received a notice from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, summoning him for a hearing on short notice. By the end of that day, the Ministry suspended the CBFC certificate for one month, citing public interest and potential law and order issues. The suspension order was subsequently published in the official gazette on August 20.
During the court proceedings, More argued that he was not given a fair hearing and that the suspension process violated principles of natural justice. He contended that the Ministry’s actions were arbitrary, illegal, politically motivated, and infringed upon his constitutional right to free speech. The bench, comprising Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Dr. Neela Gokhale, ruled that no further extension of the suspension would occur without first allowing More to present his case.
Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh, representing the Ministry, assured the court that More would be notified and given an opportunity to be heard at least a week in advance before any extension is considered. The court has directed the Ministry to address any representations made by More before the suspension period concludes in the first week of September. The High Court is scheduled to hear More’s plea on September 22.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What is the main issue surrounding the film ‘Khalid ka Shivaji’?**
A: The film has faced opposition from right-wing groups who claim it misrepresents Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, leading to the suspension of its censor certificate by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.