RAMADHUTA CREATIONS Vs. TELUGU DESAM PARTY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These intra court appeals emanate from an order dtd. 22/1/2024 passed by the learned Single Judge in W.P.No.34681 of 2023, by which the writ petition filed by the respondent No.1, namely Telugu Desam Party (hereinafter referred to as 'TDP') has been allowed. W.A.No.56 of 2024 has been filed by the Producer of the film, whereas W.A.No.59 of 2024 has been filed by the Director of the film. With regard to certification of Telugu feature film 'Vyuham' for public viewing is the issue involved in these appeals. Therefore, the appeals were heard together and are being decided by this common judgment.

(2.) In order to appreciate the grievance of the appellants, relevant facts need mention which are stated infra. Appellant No.1 in W.A.No.56 of 2024 is the producer (hereinafter referred to as 'the producer') of a feature film titled 'Vyuham'. The producer on 19/10/2023 submitted an application for censor certification of feature film 'Vyuham' before the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The examining committee of the CBFC viewed the film on 31/10/2023 and refused to certify the film as it is found that the film is not suitable for public exhibition.

(3.) Thereafter, on 1/11/2023, the Chairperson of CBFC referred the film for evaluation by the Revising Committee of the CBFC. The CBFC informed the producer on 3/11/2023 that Revising Committee shall not review the film as Model Code of Conduct is in force in the State of Telangana and certification of the film can be considered only after conclusion of the elections. The producer submitted a representation on 3/11/2023 itself to forthwith review the film. One Nara Lokesh submitted a complaint on 4/11/2023 to the CBFC not to issue the certificate for public exhibition of the feature film.