The Bombay High Court has decided to view the film "Ajey: The Untold Story," which is inspired by the life of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, before ruling on a plea from the filmmakers against the Central Board of Film Certification's (CBFC) refusal to grant certification. The film is based on the book "The Monk Who Became Chief Minister".

The CBFC's Examining Committee had earlier rejected the film's application for a censor certificate. The filmmakers, Samrat Cinematics India Pvt Ltd, approached the High Court after the CBFC refused to certify the film. The CBFC's refusal cited multiple objections, including the absence of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the office of the UP Chief Minister.

Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Neela Gokhale of the Bombay High Court have directed the filmmakers to submit a copy of the film to the court, clearly marking the portions objected to by the CBFC. The judges stated that they would view the film before deciding on the plea. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on August 25.

Advocates representing the filmmakers, argued that the CBFC's refusal violated their fundamental rights and that the Board acted beyond its jurisdiction by demanding an NOC from Adityanath's office, calling it an unreasonable condition. They contended that the CBFC is not the guardian of a private person's fundamental rights and has exceeded its mandate under the Cinematograph Act by insisting on an NOC from an individual. The filmmakers also pointed out that the book that inspired the movie had been officially endorsed by the UP Chief Minister's Office.

The CBFC, represented by its counsel, maintained that it had followed natural justice principles and that the filmmakers still had remedies under the Cinematograph Act to appeal. However, the bench noted that the court's jurisdiction could not be ruled out, even if alternate remedies exist. The judges also criticized the CBFC, observing that it had failed to uphold natural justice from the outset.

The dispute centers on the CBFC's insistence on a no-objection certificate (NOC) from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, given that the film is based on his life. The filmmakers argue that the film is inspired by a publicly available book and that an NOC cannot be mandated when the subject matter is drawn from public material.

The film was originally slated for release on August 1 but remains in limbo without certification. The High Court's decision to view the film themselves underscores the complexity and sensitivity of the case, involving issues of freedom of expression, censorship, and the portrayal of public figures.