New Delhi [India], July 14: The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a petition filed by the producers of the film ‘Udaipur Files’, challenging the Delhi High Court’s stay order that halted the movie’s release just one day before its scheduled debut.
The plea was mentioned before the bench by Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia, who argued that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has already approved the movie, and the delay in its release is violating the producer’s fundamental rights, particularly the freedom of speech and expression.
Background
On July 10, the Delhi High Court granted an interim stay on the film’s release following petitions from:
- Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind
- Journalist Prashant Tandon
Both parties challenged the CBFC’s clearance, claiming that the movie could disturb communal harmony and threaten public order due to its sensitive content.
Film Synopsis
‘Udaipur Files’ is based on the 2022 murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur, Rajasthan — an incident that drew national outrage. Lal was hacked to death in broad daylight after allegedly supporting former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma in a social media post.
Legal Standpoint
The Delhi HC bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal stated:
“Since the petitioners were asked to pursue a revisional remedy under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, we provide that till the grant of interim relief is decided, there shall be a stay on the release of the film.”
The stay will remain in force until the Centre decides on the revisional application filed by the petitioners.
Allegations Against the Film
- Accused of sensationalising a communal incident
- Alleged to have the potential to incite tension ahead of elections
- Timing of release questioned by the petitioners
While the Court hasn’t assessed the content of the film, it emphasized that the due legal process under the Cinematograph Act must be followed and no irreversible consequences should result in the meantime.