Delhi High Court stays release of ‘Udaipur Files’ movie, leaves decision to Centre

Set against the backdrop of the 2022 Udaipur murder, the film recounts the killing of tailor Kanhaiya Lal

The Delhi High Court on Thursday stayed the release of the film Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder, just a day before it was set to hit cinemas. The stay will remain in effect until the Centre reviews and decides on the revision application filed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind opposing the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)’s clearance.

A division bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal passed the interim order as it heard two petitions -- one by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind and another by journalist Prashant Tandon, challenging the CBFC's decision to grant certification to the film.

The petitioners contended that the film’s release could disrupt communal harmony and endanger public order due to its sensitive subject matter.

"We provide that till the application for interim relief if made by petitioner along with revision petition is decided by government, release of the film shall remain stayed," the bench held, according to a report by PTI.

The movie is based on the 2022 murder of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor in Udaipur, Rajasthan, who was brutally killed in broad daylight by two men allegedly angered by a social media post in support of former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. The incident had triggered national outrage and raised serious concerns about radicalisation and communal violence.

Set against the backdrop of the 2022 Udaipur murder, the film recounts the killing of tailor Kanhaiya Lal, who was brutally killed in public by two men reportedly upset over his social media post in support for former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.

The case had sent shockwaves across the country and highlighted growing fears of communal violence and extremism.

The case was probed by the National Investigation Agency and the accused were booked under stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), besides provisions under the Indian Penal Code.

The trial is pending before the special NIA court in Jaipur.

(With agencies inputs)