‘Udaipur Files': Delhi HC to hear on Wednesday pleas challenging film's release, says ‘no urgency'
The release of the film, based on the murder case of tailor Kanhaiya Lal by alleged Islamic fundamentalists in 2022, is under challenge in two petitions before the Delhi High Court – one by Maulana Arshad Madani, principal of the Darul Uloom Deoband, and another by Mohammed Javed, an accused undertrial in the murder case.
Last week, the Supreme Court refused to interfere in the matter and sent it back to the high court for consideration. On July 10, the high court had temporarily stayed the film's release while granting those aggrieved by the purported portrayal in the film, vilifying Muslims, to represent the matter before the Central government and seek a review of the CBFC's decision to greenlight the film's release.
Taken up before a bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, Madani's counsel told the court that senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who will be arguing the matter, was unavailable on Monday and sought an adjournment.
Meanwhile, Javed, represented by senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy, told the court that with the producer's admission that the film is based on the chargesheet in the case and given that Javed is an undertrial, his right to fair trial will be prejudiced.
Upon a query from the court on whether the film has been recertified by the CBFC subsequent to the Centre's review of it, the court was informed that while the movie was approved with six cuts and a disclaimer, which has been incorporated by the producers, CBFC certification remains to be issued.
Taking note that a film cannot be exhibited till CBFC certification is issued, the court observed, 'as on date no urgency', and acceding to the request for adjournment, posted the matter to Wednesday.
Madani, in his petition, pointed out that the movie is 'replete with dialogues and instances that had led to communal disharmony in the very recent past and thus carry every potential to again stoke the same communal sentiments'.
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