July 9, 2025: Just days before its scheduled release, ‘Udaipur Files’, a film based on the 2022 murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur, has landed in legal trouble with multiple petitions seeking a stay on its theatrical debut.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court declined to grant an immediate stay on the film’s release after it was approached by Mohammad Jawed, one of the accused in the case, who is currently out on bail. Jawed argued that the film could hamper a free and fair trial. However, the apex court noted that a related matter is already under consideration by another bench and directed the petitioner to re-approach the court after its summer recess.
Meanwhile, in a parallel legal challenge, the Delhi High Court is actively hearing pleas against the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for allowing the movie’s release. On Wednesday, a division bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal ordered an urgent private screening of the film for all counsels involved in the case. The court directed all parties to watch the film and present their objections in the next hearing scheduled for Thursday.
One of the key petitioners, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, led by Maulana Arshad Madani, has alleged that the movie contains derogatory references to the Prophet Muhammad and Islam, including controversial remarks previously made by former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. The organization fears the film could incite communal tensions and disturb public order.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioners, acknowledged the filmmakers’ right to free speech but warned that the film’s tone and content may promote violence. In response, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing on behalf of the CBFC, informed the court that all objectionable content flagged earlier has been removed from the final cut.
Despite the ASG’s assurances, the Chief Justice rebuked the petitioners’ counsel for pre-judging the film without viewing it, stressing that screening does not negate their right to challenge its certification.
The Delhi High Court will resume hearing the matter on Thursday, July 10, and if it finds merit in the objections, it may still issue a stay on the film’s release.