M.SHANMUGARAJ Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The relief sought for in the present writ petition is for a direction to direct the 2nd respondent to issue Censor Certificate for the petitioner's documentary film "Marina Puratchi" within stipulated time, enabling the petitioner to release the film for pongal festival.

(2.) The learned counsel appearing on behalf of the writ petitioner states that the petitioner is the Director Cum Producer of documentary Film called "Marina Puratchi". The documentary film is ready for theatrical release prior to the forthcoming Pongal Festival. However, the respondents have not issued any certification for the purpose of release of the documentary film. The film relates to the Tamil Culture and Tradition of Jallikattu in the State of Tamil Nadu. The authorities competent raised certain objections under Section 23 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983 and under these circumstances, the petitioner is constrained to move the present writ petition.

(3.) The learned senior Central Government Standing counsel appearing on behalf of the respondents state that the authorities competent referred the matter to the Revising Committee under Rule 24(1) of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules 1983. Now, the Revising Committee has go into the allegations and the objections and take a decision in accordance with law. In this regard, the petitioner has to appear before the Revising Committee, explaining their stand, enabling the authorities to consider the facts and circumstances. Thus, the petitioner is bound to approach the Revising Committee for the purpose of redressing his grievances in the manner prescribed under law.