New Delhi, July 9 — The Delhi High Court has directed a special screening of the controversial film Udaipur Files following concerns over its communal content and potential to disturb public order.
The direction came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani, who sought a ban on the film, citing its allegedly inflammatory and divisive content.
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The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) informed the Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal that "offending portions" in the movie had been removed before certification. The producer of the film confirmed the cuts were made.
The Court instructed the film’s producers to arrange a private screening of both the movie and its trailer for Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioner, and Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma, appearing for the CBFC.
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Sibal questioned the film's clearance by CBFC, arguing that it unfairly targets the Muslim community and misrepresents the murder of Udaipur-based tailor Kanhaiya Lal. The petitioner alleges the movie portrays the incident as part of a wider conspiracy involving Muslim leaders and includes scenes that could incite communal hatred.
The plea specifically objects to the trailer’s suggestion of complicity by Muslim leaders and a controversial depiction of Muslim clergy. It also raises concerns over the film referencing BJP leader Nupur Sharma’s past remarks that led to nationwide tensions.
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The Court rejected the producers' claim that the petitioner would object even after watching the edited version, saying, “Can the screening of the movie take away their right to challenge the certificate of the film?”
The film is set to release on July 11. The petition seeks a stay on the release, distribution, and online presence of the film and its trailer, which remains live on platforms including YouTube, X, and Facebook.
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Parties to the case include the film’s director and producer, Reliance Entertainment Pvt Ltd, Google, X, and Meta. The matter will continue on Thursday after the screening.
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