Sharjeel Imam, who is facing prosecution in connection with the 2020 riots, argued that the film’s posters, teasers, and trailers created a misleading narrative. According to him, they suggested a larger conspiracy behind the riots in northeast Delhi.
New Delhi, Jan 31: The Delhi High Court reserved its decision on petitions seeking to stop the release of the film 2020 Delhi, which is reportedly based on the northeast Delhi riots of 2020. The petitions were filed by student activist Sharjeel Imam and others.
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Justice Sachin Datta, who heard the matter, stated that he would examine the petitions and give an appropriate ruling.
The case was heard by the court with arguments presented by lawyers representing the petitioners, the Centre, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the filmmakers, and the Election Commission of India.
The producers’ lawyer informed the court that they had applied for certification from the CBFC. They assured the court that “the movie will not be screened for public viewing till they got the certificate”. The film was initially scheduled for release on February 2, just three days before the Delhi Assembly elections.
Sharjeel Imam, who is facing prosecution in connection with the 2020 riots, argued that the film’s posters, teasers, and trailers created a misleading narrative. According to him, they suggested a larger conspiracy behind the riots in northeast Delhi.
Aside from Imam, five other individuals also filed a separate petition. They requested the postponement of the movie’s release until the legal cases involving some of them were resolved.
Additionally, Umang, an independent candidate contesting in the Delhi Assembly elections, filed another petition. He sought a stay on the film’s release until the elections concluded.
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The northeast Delhi riots occurred on February 24, 2020, leading to communal clashes that resulted in at least 53 deaths and several injuries.
With the court reserving its judgment, the fate of 2020 Delhi now depends on the ruling of Justice Sachin Datta. If the court decides in favor of the petitioners, the movie’s release could be delayed. Otherwise, it may proceed as planned after obtaining the CBFC certificate.
The matter remains under judicial review, and the final decision is awaited.
On 30th Jan, Delhi Riots Accused Sharjeel Imam Asks Delhi High Court to Delay Release of ‘2020 Delhi’ Movie. Sharjeel Imam, who is accused in the Delhi riots case, has asked the Delhi High Court to stop the release of the film ‘2020 Delhi’ for now. The director of this movie is Devendra Malviya, and well-known actors like Brijendra Kala, Chetan Sharma, Akashdeep Arora, and Siddharth Bharadwaj are playing important roles in the film.
Sharjeel Imam has told the court that this movie claims to be based on true events and can affect his trial and bail applications in the cases related to the Delhi riots. These cases are still going on in different courts in Delhi.
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His lawyer mentioned this case before Justice Sachin Datta and asked the judge to watch the movie trailer in court today.
The lawyer of the film producer said that he has not yet received any official copy of this petition. He also said that he only came to know about this case from social media.
Case Title: SHARJEEL IMAM v. UNION OF INDIA AND ORS. and other connected matter
