The Supreme Court on Thursday, January 15, 2026, declined to entertain a petition by the producers of the Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan. The petition challenged a stay order by the Madras High Court Division Bench that blocked the film’s censor certificate. The Bench, led by Justice Dipankar Datta, questioned the quick action by a Single Judge to direct the issuing of the certificate on January 9. The Court noted the producer had not challenged the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Chairman’s order of January 6 to send the film to a revising committee. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the producers, said his client was “ruined” because film releases and their popularity are perishable. “If it [film] is delayed, people lose interest. It stops having any value. I have lost everything,” Rohatgi told the court. Justice Datta advised Rohatgi to take the arguments before the Madras High Court Division Bench. The High Court is set to hear the case on January 20. The High Court had stayed the Single Judge’s order to grant a U/A 16+ certificate just hours after it was issued. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared for the CBFC. The CBFC explained that one member of the examining committee had complained that his objections were overlooked. The Board said the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024 allow the Chairman to send films to a revising committee in such cases. The CBFC also said courts have limited power to review decisions on censor certificates. This case highlights ongoing disputes around film certification rules and procedures.