A division bench of the Madras High Court has dealt a setback to actor Vijay starrer Jana Nayagan, staying the earlier direction that ordered the immediate issuance of a UA censor certificate. The bench expressed strong displeasure over the manner in which the issue reached the court and fixed the matter for further hearing on May 21.

The order was passed on Friday by a bench headed by Chief Justice Srivastava. The film’s producers had moved the High Court citing delays in certification, even as the movie was scheduled for release on the 9th. Acting on their plea, single judge Justice PT Asha had earlier directed the Censor Board to issue a UA certificate on Friday morning.

However, the Censor Board challenged that order, stating it was passed without adequate time for proper review. The division bench questioned whether announcing a release date could be used to pressure the certification process and stressed that established procedures must be followed. Observing that a little more patience could have been shown, the bench stayed the single judge’s order.