CBFC Certificate Not Conclusive Proof of Film Ownership: Madras High Court

The Madras High Court held that a CBFC (Censor Board) certificate serves only as prima facie evidence of who produced a film and does not conclusively establish copyright ownership.

The Court clarified that such certificates merely indicate the applicant for certification and cannot override contractual or factual claims. 

Determination of ownership must rely on agreements, financial records, and other substantive evidence.

Emphasising the limited role of the CBFC, the Court noted that certification is meant for public exhibition and not for adjudicating title or rights, which must be decided through detailed examination of evidence in disputes.

[R.Kishore Kumar v. M/s R.R.Cine Productions & Ors.]