The Madras High Court on Tuesday heard arguments in the censor certification dispute surrounding Jana Nayagan, with both the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the producers strongly defending their positions.

The CBFC placed all records before the court, including the complaint that led to the film being referred to a revising committee. The board stated that the complaint came from one member of the examining committee, who claimed his objections were not properly recorded. The Additional Solicitor General argued that CBFC chairperson, Bollywood lyricist Prasoon Joshi, has the legal authority to send a film for review at any stage before a censor certificate is officially issued, even after recommending a U/A 16+ rating. CBFC sought additional 4 weeks’ time to file a detailed counter.

Opposing this, Jana Nayagan producers KVN Productions contended that the examining committee’s majority had already cleared the film with a U/A 16+ certificate, subject to changes — all of which were completed. They questioned how a lone objection could overturn the decision of the committee, and said the production house was kept unaware of the complainant’s identity until the day of the hearing i.e. January 7, 2026. Citing the massive investment of Rs. 500 Cr. and the January 9 release plan, they argued that the delay was arbitrary and damaging.

After hearing both sides, Justice P.T. Asha reserved orders on the matter. She also seems to have noted that 'everything is abnormal with the CBFC', since it was CBFC CEO Smita Vats Sharma who executed CBFC Chairman Prasoon Joshi's orders. The court will now study the submissions, and pronounce its decision on a later date. With the orders awaited, Jana Nayagan’s censor clearance — and release plans — remain dependent on the High Court’s final ruling.