Chaos Erupts In CBFC After Writ Petition Filed in Bombay High Court; Officials Issue Certificate In Haste

The Subodh Bhave-starrer biopic Shree Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj based on the life of world-renowned saint Neem Karoli Baba has finally received its censor certificate after long delay, but the story behind it raises serious questions about the functioning of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The breakthrough came only after the filmmakers filed a writ petition in the Bombay High Court against the board's alleged arbitrary conduct. Earlier the film was slated to release on April 24.

According to the makers, they had been making rounds for quite some time to obtain the certificate, but CBFC officials allegedly kept delaying the process. It was only after the producers took legal action and approached the High Court that panic reportedly spread within the board's offices. As soon as senior CBFC officials received official information that the matter had reached the High Court, a sudden sense of urgency gripped the department.

Sources claim that CBFC officials became alarmed over the possibility of judicial reprimand and legal consequences. A process that had remained stalled for weeks was suddenly initiated immediately after news of the court petition surfaced. Under the pressure of impending legal proceedings, the board allegedly had no option but to issue the certificate and grant clearance to the film in haste.

The filmmaker further alleged that they had applied under the "Tatkal" category, under which a certificate is required to be issued within eight days as per regulations. Despite this, they claim the board deliberately kept the file pending. The producers stated that had they not approached the court, this "administrative dictatorship" by the board might have continued for even longer.

After finally receiving the certificate, director Sharad Singh Thakur expressed relief and said:

"We had applied under the Tatkal category, but the board kept our application pending. The moment officials learned that we had filed a writ petition in the High Court, their nervousness became evident. It was only due to the fear of court intervention that they were compelled to issue the certificate. This is a victory for truth and the power of the judiciary."

Also, starring Hiten Tejwani, Samikssha Bhatnagar, Hemant Pandey, and Aniruddh Dave, makers are expected to announce a new release date soon. The film is produced by Balram Garg, Balvir Singh, Sharad Singh Thakur, Khadag Singh Gaur, and Neelam Singh, and is presented by Anisha Films International in association with PC Jeweller and BSR Film Productions.