High Court maintains inhibition on screening of Udaipur Files film, directs central government council to hasten decision-making process
The current status of the Supreme Court case regarding the controversial movie "Udaipur Files" involves a deferred hearing until July 21, 2025. The Supreme Court has refused to immediately lift the stay on the movie ordered by the Delhi High Court, pending a decision from the Central government.
The Central government has constituted a committee to address objections to the film's certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The committee is scheduled to examine the objections and decide on the revision petitions lodged against the CBFC certification of "Udaipur Files."
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Maulana Arshad Madani, has stated that the movie is against a community and seeks and generates violence. On the other hand, Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy, appearing for the accused in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case, has argued that free speech cannot be claimed to violate the right to fair trial.
The Court has taken note of the death threats received by the filmmakers and the son of Kanhaiya Lal, directing local authorities to assess the threat perception and provide necessary protection. The Court has also stated that the release of the movie could cause irreparable damage but the impact of the delay in its release can be compensated.
The Court has permitted one of the accused in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case to be represented before the Committee. The High Court order was passed on a batch of three petitions, including one filed by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani seeking a ban on the movie.
The movie, which was initially slated for release on July 11, has sparked significant controversy and debate. The Supreme Court's decision on the movie will have far-reaching implications for freedom of speech, communal harmony, and the right to life.
[1] The Indian Express, "Supreme Court refuses to lift stay on release of 'Udaipur Files', orders Centre to expedite decision", July 12, 2025. [2] The Hindu, "Udaipur Files: Supreme Court asks Centre to expedite decision on movie", July 12, 2025. [3] NDTV, "Udaipur Files: Supreme Court Asks Centre to Expedite Decision on Movie, Postpones Hearing", July 12, 2025. [4] Live Law, "Udaipur Files: Supreme Court Refuses to Lift Stay, Orders Centre to Expedite Decision", July 12, 2025.
- The ongoing Supreme Court case surrounding the movie "Udaipur Files" falls under the realm of 'policy-and-legislation', as the Central government is forming committees and policies to address objections to the film's certification.
- This controversy, involving charges of promoting violence and generating debate, can be classified as 'crime-and-justice' and 'general-news', due to its connection to the murder case of Kanhaiya Lal and its far-reaching implications for freedom of speech and communal harmony.
