Chandigarh: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has withdrawn the orders that had denied a certificate to the Punjabi film ‘Chardikala’, the Punjab and Haryana High Court was informed.
The CBFC Regional Officer told the court that the May 26, 2026 order of the Examining Committee and the July 14, 2026 order of the Revising Committee had been withdrawn.
According to the communication submitted before the court, the matter will now be reconsidered afresh by the competent authority, with the filmmakers being given a full opportunity to present their case.
The development came during the hearing of an appeal filed by the proprietor of M/s Mad4 Films, challenging the committee orders that had refused certification to the film.
The committees had reportedly described the film’s subject as socially and politically sensitive, citing concerns over law and order and alleged violation of social norms.
Court questions authority behind earlier orders
During the hearing, the High Court noted that the Central government had delegated the Board’s powers under Section 7B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, to the CBFC chairperson with effect from August 29, 2026.
The court observed that prior to this delegation, the chairperson or regional officer did not have the requisite authority to pass such orders.
It further held that the orders dated May 26 and July 14 had been passed by an authority without jurisdiction, amounting to a violation of Section 4 of the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
With the earlier orders withdrawn, the film’s certification issue will now be examined afresh by the competent authority.
