AP High Court Grants Permission To Screen 'Rajadhani Files'

HYDERABAD: On February 15, Justice N. Jayasurya of the Andhra Pradesh High Court issued an interim stay on the screening of the film "Rajadhani Files." The judge ordered an examination of whether the film's release certificate was issued by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in accordance with the rules under the Cinematograph Act of 1952, based on reports from the Censor Board's examining and revising committees.

The CBFC regional officer and the presiding officer of the revising committee were directed to produce all relevant records on February 16.

The petition was filed by YSRCP general secretary Lella Appi Reddy, who argued that the film was defamatory to his party, Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, and other leaders, as it pertained to the proposal for three capitals, which was sub-judice.

Despite the scheduled release of the film on February 15, government officials halted its screening at some venues following the stay order. In a subsequent hearing, the High Court examined the certificates issued by the Revising Committee of the Censor Board and declined to extend the stay, affirming that all certificates were issued in accordance with the rules. The court adjourned the hearing, directing the respondents to file their responses.

YSRCP State General Secretary Lella Appireddy had sought to cancel the CBFC certificate issued on December 18 last year, alleging that the film aimed to tarnish the government's image. The court had issued an interim order on February 13 temporarily suspending the film's screening, with the latest hearing on Friday resulting in the acceptance of the film's release.