New Delhi, July 16: The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday directed a Central government committee to decide by 2:30 PM today on the release and certification of the controversial film ‘Udaipur Files’, which is currently under legal scrutiny.
A bench led by Justice Surya Kant deferred the case to Monday, July 21, noting that the Central committee should take an immediate decision on a revision petition pending before it regarding the film’s certification.
“We expect the committee constituted by the Central government to decide the revision petition without delay,” the court ordered.
Accused in Kanhaiya Lal Case Permitted to Appear
The court also allowed Mohammad Javed, one of the accused in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case, to appear before the committee to voice concerns about receiving a fair trial if the film is released. The court directed the committee to give him a fair hearing.
Threats Reported to Producers and Victim’s Family
During the proceedings, the counsel for the film’s producers stated that both the filmmakers and Kanhaiya Lal’s son were receiving death threats. In response, the Supreme Court granted them liberty to approach local Superintendents of Police (SPs) for protection. The SPs were ordered to assess the threat level and act appropriately.
Petitioners Allege Vilification of Muslim Community
Senior Advocates Kapil Sibal and Menaka Guruswamy, appearing for petitioners including Maulana Arshad Madni of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and accused Mohammad Javed, opposed the film’s release. They argued the film vilifies the Muslim community, portrays graphic violence, and would severely prejudice the accused’s right to a fair trial.
“The film is a thematic desecration of the case,” said Guruswamy. “Violence, denigration of women, and child abuse have been wrongly attributed to the community.”
Filmmakers Argue for Free Speech
Countering the claims, Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia, representing the producers, asserted that the movie reflects real events such as the beheading of Kanhaiya Lal, which was recorded and shared on social media.
“Where were the petitioners then? The family has suffered and the film only reflects that pain,” Bhatia argued.
He also stated that all 55 cuts mandated by the CBFC have been incorporated and the film was legally certified for release. He questioned why freedom of speech was being curtailed despite compliance with legal procedures.
What’s Next?
The Central government committee is expected to deliver a decision today. The Supreme Court will hear the matter again on Monday (July 21), after the committee’s decision is reviewed.