Today, On 24th July, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind has moved the Supreme Court challenging the Centre’s approval of the film, alleging it promotes communal hatred and portrays Indian Muslims to terrorists.
New Delhi: Maulana Arshad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court opposing the film The Udaipur Files.
He contends that the film depicts Indian Muslims as supporters of terrorism, potentially inciting communal discord.
Madani claims that the film presents Indian Muslims as sympathetic to Pakistani terrorists or acting on their behalf. He described the film as malicious and a danger to communal harmony, and he criticized the decision made by the Screening Committee established by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Madani noted that the ministry overlooked their objections, simply relying on the committee’s report. He stated that the committee recommended only six minor modifications to the film, which he considers inadequate.
Madani also alleged that the government included members of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in the screening committee, despite Jamiat challenging the CBFC’s certification citing a conflict of interest. He argued that the formation of such a committee by the government was inappropriate.
Jamiat has requested that the Supreme Court direct the filmmakers to arrange a private screening of the film so that the judges hearing the case can grasp its content and intentions.
Madani emphasized that the film does not solely focus on India-Pakistan issues but also misrepresents Indian Muslims in a manner that could exacerbate communal tensions in the country. The matter is currently under consideration in the Supreme Court.
Madani noted that the ministry overlooked their objections, simply relying on the committee’s report. He stated that the committee recommended only six minor modifications to the film, which he considers inadequate. Madani also alleged that the government included members of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in the screening committee, despite Jamiat challenging the CBFC’s certification—citing a conflict of interest. He argued that the formation of such a committee by the government was inappropriate.
Jamiat has requested that the Supreme Court direct the filmmakers to arrange a private screening of the film so that the judges hearing the case can grasp its content and intentions.
ALSO READ: “What About Kanhaiya Lal?” SC Asked PIL Petitioner
Kanhaiya Lal, a Hindu tailor from Udaipur, was murdered in broad daylight in June 2022. The accused—Mohammad Riyaz and Mohammad Ghous filmed the act and circulated a video where they claimed that the murder was done in revenge.
They alleged that Kanhaiya Lal had supported former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma on social media. Sharma had made controversial remarks about the Prophet, which had led to widespread outrage.
However, as of now, the Supreme Court has allowed the release, and the film ‘Udaipur Files’ is set to hit the screens as planned.
Earlier, on July 10, the Delhi High Court had asked the Central Government to use its revisional powers under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act to review the film before its release.
This order was given in response to three different petitions, one of which was filed by Maulana Arshad Madani, the President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind.
Case Title: Maulana Arshad Madani Vs Union Of India & Ors.
Click Here to Read Our Reports on Tailor Kanhaiya Lal
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