A public interest litigation has been filed before the Delhi High Court seeking to restrain the theatrical release of the film “Udaipur Files”, scheduled to premiere on July 11. The petition, instituted by Maulana Arshad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, raises serious constitutional concerns regarding the alleged inflammatory content of the film, contending that it threatens to disrupt communal peace and public order.
The petitioner has also challenged the certification granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), asserting that the film’s trailer—currently circulating across digital platforms, contains dialogue and visuals that risk inciting religious disharmony. It is argued that such content, if exhibited publicly, could potentially rekindle sentiments that previously led to large-scale unrest.
The film is said to be based on the 2022 killing of Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur. However, the petition contends that the depiction goes beyond a dramatized recounting of events, highlighting politically charged courtroom scenes, statements attributed to a sitting Chief Minister allegedly taking sides, and direct references to controversial remarks made by public figures, particularly those of Nupur Sharma, which had, in the past, sparked nationwide agitation and criminal proceedings.
According to the petitioner, the trailer’s narrative unfairly targets a specific religious community, thereby infringing upon their fundamental right to dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. The plea further asserts that by reiterating statements that had already led to communal violence and multiple FIRs, the film does not merely recount historical events but revives divisive discourse under the guise of artistic expression.
Calling into question the permissibility of such content under constitutional protections, the petition submits that freedom of expression cannot be invoked as a shield for speech that endangers national integrity or disrupts fraternity among citizens. It emphasizes that the creative liberty of filmmakers must operate within the framework of constitutional morality and public order.
In addition to seeking a stay on the film’s release, the petitioner has urged the Court to direct the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to ensure the immediate removal of the film’s trailer from all digital and social media platforms.
The matter is expected to be taken up for urgent hearing in light of the film’s impending release.
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