Just a day before its scheduled release, the Delhi High Court on Thursday halted the release of the controversial film Udaipur Files, which is based on the 2022 killing of Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal, allegedly murdered after expressing support for BJP leader Nupur Sharma’s remarks on the Prophet.
The court passed the interim stay after hearing a batch of petitions, including one by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani, who sought a ban on the film, alleging it could incite communal tensions.
The film was slated for release on Friday, July 11.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal directed the petitioner to file a revision application before the Central Government under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act, which allows the government to revoke or suspend a film’s certificate if public interest is at stake.
“Accordingly, we permit the petitioner to approach the Central Government within two days… and the government shall decide the revision application within one week,” the Court said, according to Bar and Bench.
Until the government makes its decision, the film’s release will remain on hold, the Court clarified.
The Bench acknowledged that while it could intervene under Article 226 of the Constitution, it advised that the petitioners first exhaust the remedy available with the Central Government.
During the hearing, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) informed the Court that allegedly objectionable parts had already been removed from the film.
Following this, the Court asked the film’s producers to organize a private screening of the movie and trailer for the counsels involved on Wednesday itself.
The Court also directed that any prayer for interim relief against the film should be considered by the Central Government during its review process.
The film’s release has sparked a political and communal debate over its portrayal of a highly sensitive incident. Critics argue it may inflame religious tensions, while supporters claim it reflects true events the public deserves to know about.
