Bombay High Court hears Zee Entertainment vs CBFC matter regarding certification of the film 'Emergency'. CBFC informed the HC that the revising committee has given its order and suggested some cuts. Lawyer for Zee Entertainment told the court that they would consider those cuts.The matter will be heard next Monday, 30th September when makers will respond to the cuts suggested.

Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) informed the Bombay High Court that Kangana Ranaut's film, "Emergency," can be released pending certain cuts. This statement follows Ranaut's insistence in an interview that she would not alter her film and intends to release it as originally made.

Last week, Justices B.P. Colabawalla and Firdosh Pooniwalla criticized the CBFC for not taking a definitive stance on the film’s certification, emphasizing that the board cannot remain indecisive as it would infringe upon freedom of speech and expression. They mandated the CBFC to reach a decision by September 25.

During a hearing on Thursday, the bench inquired about the CBFC’s decision. Abhinav Chandrachud, counsel for the CBFC, stated, “The committee has recommended some cuts before a certificate can be issued and the film released.”

Senior counsel Sharan Jagtiani, representing Zee Entertainment, the film’s co-producer, requested more time to determine whether the proposed cuts could be made. The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for September 30.

Originally set for release on September 6, "Emergency" has faced hurdles due to allegations of historical inaccuracies and misrepresentation of the Sikh community. Various Sikh organizations, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, have raised concerns regarding the film's portrayal.

Ranaut has directed and co-produced the film, in which she plays the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Government sources noted the presence of “sensitive content” and emphasized that “religious sentiments cannot be hurt.”

The High Court was reviewing a petition from Zee Entertainment Enterprises seeking the release of the censor certificate. Last week, the court directed the CBFC to make a final decision while acknowledging the board’s concerns, but asserting that it is not the CBFC’s role to determine the impact on public order.

Justice B.P. Colabawalla remarked that the production is not a documentary and questioned whether the public would blindly accept everything depicted in a movie, underscoring the importance of creative freedom. The court urged the CBFC to make a clear decision, stating, “We will appreciate the stand of the CBFC,” whether it decides to approve or reject the film.

Chandrachud also mentioned that some scenes portray a polarizing figure making deals with political parties, indicating the need to verify the factual accuracy of such portrayals, while clarifying there is no explicit political angle in the film.

Previously, the issue was brought before the Madhya Pradesh High Court following a public interest litigation filed by two Sikh organizations. The CBFC informed the court that a certificate for the film had not yet been issued.