India, Jan. 9 -- The Madras high court on Friday directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to grant a "UA 16+" certificate to the Vijay-starrer Tamil film Jana Nayagan, clearing its theatrical release.

Justice PT Asha allowed a petition filed by KVN Productions, the producers of the film, set aside the CBFC chairperson's decision to send the film for a fresh review, and directed the Board to issue the certificate forthwith.

Such certification, as per the CBFC rules, means the film is cleared for "unrestricted but with caution for children below 16 years old."

Justice Asha held that the CBFC chairperson acted without jurisdiction in reopening the certification process after the Examining Committee had cleared the film, sub...