The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to take up a petition challenging the Delhi High Court’s decision to halt the release of the film Udaipur Files.
The plea was brought forward by Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia on behalf of the film’s producer, who argued that the Central Board of Film Certification had already cleared the movie, and that the High Court’s stay infringes on his fundamental rights.
Court’s Stay Halts Release
Just a day before its scheduled release, the Delhi High Court on July 10 issued an interim stay on Udaipur Files. The order was passed by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal.
The stay will remain in place until the Centre reviews a revision application filed by the Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, which has contested the CBFC’s decision to certify the film.
“We provide that till the grant of interim relief is decided, there shall be a stay on the release of the film,” the Be nch stated.
Petitioners Raise Concerns Over Public Order
The High Court was hearing two separate petitions—one from Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind and another from journalist Prashant Tandon. Both challenged the CBFC’s approval, arguing that the film’s content could incite communal unrest.
The petitioners expressed concern that releasing the film, which deals with a highly sensitive incident, could disturb public peace. They also questioned the timing of the release, pointing out that it comes just ahead of state elections, potentially aggravating tensions.
Film Based On Udaipur Murder Case
Udaipur Files is centered on the 2022 murder of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor in Udaipur, Rajasthan. He was brutally killed in broad daylight by two men reportedly angered by a social media post he made supporting former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.
The incident caused nationwide outrage and spotlighted rising fears over radicalisation and communal violence. Petitioners claim the film presents a dramatized version of events that could further polarize communities.
Producer Claims Violation Of Rights
Representing the filmmaker, Advocate Gaurav Bhatia told the Supreme Court that the movie had already cleared regulatory scrutiny and that delaying its release violates the producer’s freedom of expression.
He stressed that the film’s suppression, despite CBFC clearance, sets a troubling precedent for creative freedoms in the country.
Supreme Court to Decide Next Steps
The Supreme Court will now hear the plea to lift the stay. While no specific date has been set, the outcome will determine whether Udaipur Files sees a public release or remains blocked pending further review by the Centre under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
Until then, the film remains in legal limbo—certified for public viewing, but held back by judicial caution.
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