Andhra Pradesh High Court Declines To Extend Interim Stay On Theatrical Release Of “Rajdhani Files” Movie

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has decided not to extend the interim stay granted for the theatrical release of the 'Rajdhani files' after being satisfied that prima facie the certificate was granted in accordance with the Cinematograph Act, 1952.

Earlier, Justice Ninala Jayasurya had called for the records maintained by the certificate granting authorities to verify whether reasons had been assigned while granting certification to the film. Meanwhile, an interim stay in the exhibition of the movie was ordered. Coincidentally, the movie was scheduled to be released on the 15th February in theatres.

The Bench while passing the order had drawn multiple similarities between the present plea and the proceedings initiated before the Telangana High Court challenging the exhibition certificate issued to the movie 'Vyuham'. 

It was noticed that on both occasions, the petitioners had contended that the movies were to influential political personalities and depicted controversial issues that were pending adjudication before the appropriate courts.

In both cases, it was also contended that the revising committee failed to note reasons while granting the certification. In the case challenging the Certificate issued to the movie Vyuham, the Telangana High Court while setting aside the certification granted to the producers of the movie, had noted that no reasons were noted by the revising committee; among other irregularities.

Following the precedent laid down by it Telangana HC, the Andhra Pradesh High Court on Thursday had stayed the exhibition of the movie for one day and directed the relevant authorities to produce all documents related to the granting of the certificate.

On Friday, when the documents were produced, the Court noted that both the Examining Committee as well as the Revising Committee had assigned reasons while granting the U/A certificate. Court noted:

"As seen from the records, the Members of both the Examining Committee and the Revising Committee had assigned reasons while granting U/A Certificate to the film in question.....this Court is facie satisfied that the certification of the subject matter film was done in accordance with the Cinematograph Act and the Rules made thereunder. For the same reason, the interim stay dated 15.2.2024 is not extended."

Thus the interlocutory application praying for suspension was dismissed and the respondents were to file counters in the main plea. 

The matter is posted on 11.03.2024.

WP 3778 of 2024

Counsel for petitioners: Sai Manoj Reddy L.

Counsel for respondents: Jupudi V.K. Yagnadutt