The Delhi High Court on Friday directed the Central government to take a fresh call on the release of Udaipur Files—a film based on the 2022 murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal—by August 6, after withdrawing its earlier directive suggesting cuts.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela issued the order while hearing pleas opposing the film’s release. The Centre told the Court it would reconsider the movie afresh under the Cinematograph Act after withdrawing its previous decision.
Court Questions Centre’s Powers To Order Cuts
The Court previously questioned the legality of the Centre’s actions, suggesting it may have overstepped its revisional jurisdiction under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act by ordering specific cuts and changes to the film.
“Where did you derive this power? Where is your authority to make recommendations or cuts?” the Court asked.
The Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma, citing Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, was told those apply to the CBFC, not the Centre directly. Sharma eventually conceded, saying a fresh decision would be taken “in accordance with law.”
Objections & Legal Challenges
The film, initially scheduled for release on July 11, faced opposition from Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani and Mohammed Javed, an accused in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case. They argued that the film portrays Muslims in a negative light and could jeopardize the right to a fair trial.
Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy, appearing for Javed, argued the Centre was acting as a censor board, which it legally cannot do.
“The government cannot play director. It cannot dictate which dialogues to remove, what disclaimers to write, or what content to modify,” she said.
The Court has asked the Centre to hear all parties involved on August 4 and deliver its decision by August 6, keeping in mind the producers’ intent to release the film by August 8.
Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia, representing the filmmakers, warned that any further delay could push the release by six months. He requested the decision be expedited, noting, “It can be done within 24 hours.
(Inputs By Sambhav Sharma)
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