DIRECTORATE OF FILM FESTIVALS vs GAURAV ASHWIN JAIN .

The Supreme Court addressed the challenge to the eligibility requirements for the National Film Awards under Regulation 10 of the 53rd NFA Regulations, specifically regarding the necessity of certification by the Central Board of Film Certification and the requirement for films to be released only in celluloid format. The Court held that these requirements violated Articles 14 and 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, as they imposed unreasonable restrictions on the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression. Consequently, the Court declared that films made in either film or digital format are eligible for entry without certification by the Board.