Delhi High Court stays release of Udaipur Files a day before launch; producer Amit Jani says, “Will go to Supreme Court.”
New Delhi: Today, on July 11, in a significant development, the Delhi High Court has stayed the release of the controversial film Udaipur Files, which was scheduled to be released in theatres on Friday.
The film is based on the shocking and brutal murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur in 2022, a case that had sparked nationwide outrage.
ALSO READ: BREAKING | Delhi HC Questions Plea to Stop ‘Udaipur Files’ After Censor Approval: “How Much Further Can We Intervene?”
While hearing a plea that raised serious concerns over the possible disturbance to public order and communal harmony, the Delhi High Court decided to halt the screening of the movie for the time being.
The bench, headed by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal, took note of the arguments presented regarding the film’s sensitive content and its potential to incite unrest.
During the hearing, the court said,
“Once a film is certified by the CBFC, the Court should not sit in appeal over the decision unless a strong ground is made out.”
However, the Bench also acknowledged the concerns of the petitioners who claimed the movie could create law and order problems, especially given the current sensitive atmosphere.
The petitioner had requested the court to stay the release of Udaipur Files, alleging that the content might provoke hatred and was not suitable for public exhibition. In response, the court carefully examined whether the film had received proper certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
While the producers claimed to have obtained the certificate, the court asked for the original CBFC certificate and directed the matter to be further reviewed.
The Delhi High Court noted the serious allegations made in the plea and expressed that
“public interest must be balanced with freedom of speech and expression.”
Given the urgency of the matter and the possible consequences of the film’s release, the court decided to put a temporary hold on the screening.
The court made it clear that it was only issuing a stay and not a final verdict on the matter. It has asked the filmmakers to submit relevant documents, including the CBFC certificate, for the next hearing. The matter will be heard again soon.
Reacting to the court’s decision, the film’s producer Amit Jani said he would challenge the High Court’s order in the Supreme Court.
“I will go to the Supreme Court against this stay. The film is based on facts and has already received clearance from the censor board,”
said Jani, expressing his disappointment.
Jani also added,
“This is not just a film but a voice for justice for Kanhaiya Lal. The public has the right to know the truth.”
The case relates to the murder of Kanhaiya Lal, a Hindu tailor from Udaipur, who was hacked to death in June 2022 by two men who filmed the act and posted it online, claiming it was revenge for a social media post in support of suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma.
The gruesome nature of the killing and its communal undertones had led to tensions in the region and calls for strict action.
The film Udaipur Files reportedly attempts to portray the events surrounding the murder and its aftermath. However, concerns have been raised about whether the film presents a balanced narrative or could stir communal tensions.
In the courtroom, the Bench also stated,
“The constitutional rights of free speech must be weighed against the potential consequences to public peace.”
Click Here to Read Our Reports on Tailor Kanhaiya Lal
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