Madhya Pradesh High Court Halts Release of Kangana Ranaut's 'Emergency'

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has stopped the release of Kangana Ranaut's film 'Emergency' as it has not received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). A PIL filed by two Sikh organizations claimed the film violated their community's fundamental rights and demanded an apology from Ranaut and others.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has halted the release of Kangana Ranaut's directorial venture, 'Emergency,' after being informed it has not yet received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), according to a lawyer on Tuesday.

The petitioner, represented by advocate N S Ruprah, argued that the film infringes upon the Sikh community's fundamental rights. During the court hearing, CBFC's counsel stated that the biographical drama had not yet been certified, meaning it won't release on September 6 as initially planned, advocate Ruprah told reporters.

Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf decided to dispose of the petition following this revelation, and a detailed order is awaited. Notices had been issued to Ranaut and other respondents by the high court on Monday in response to the PIL filed by two Sikh groups. The petitioners also sought an unconditional apology from Ranaut, who co-produced the film and stars as former PM Indira Gandhi. Last week, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) sent a legal notice to the CBFC, alleging the film's trailer misrepresents historical facts about the Sikh community and promotes social discord.

(With inputs from agencies.)