Udaipur Files paints all Muslims as terror sympathisers: Fresh plea in top court
'These narratives and portrayals, it is submitted, do not simply refer to an India-Pakistan issue but rather seek to show Indian Muslims as being either sympathetic towards, or acting at the behest of, terrorists in Pakistan,' the plea filed in the Supreme Court said.Madani contends that the producer has a history of spreading communal and political hatred, and argues that the case should not be viewed as one involving a genuine filmmaker concerned with artistic freedom..'The insinuation is not only mala fide but is aimed at promoting such views so as to cause communal disharmony in India,' the complaint said.The petition also requested that a private screening of the film be organised exclusively for the Supreme Court to enable a complete and fair adjudication of the matter. It urged that the film's public release be halted while the present proceedings are pending.On July 10, the Delhi High Court had stayed the release of the film based on a petition filed by Arshad Madani, directing that the Centre decide on his representation within a week.The Supreme Court subsequently directed the Centre's review panel to make a decision without delay after hearing all parties involved, and also ordered that the accused in the murder case be granted a hearing.On July 21, the Centre informed the Supreme Court that it had recommended six cuts to the film before allowing its release.Madani, however, challenged the Centre's clearance, arguing that the decision lacked proper reasoning.'The Ministry's order is without any reason and fails to deal with the objections raised by Respondent No. 1 (Madani) while only approving the report of the committee constituted by it,' he added.Udaipur-based tailor Kanhaiya Lal was murdered in June 2022 allegedly by Mohammad Riyaz and Mohammad Ghous.The assailants later released a video claiming that the murder was in reaction to the tailor allegedly sharing a social media post in support of former BJP member Nupur Sharma following her controversial comments on Prophet Mohammed.The case was probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the accused were booked under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, besides provisions under IPC.The trial is pending before the special NIA court in Jaipur.- EndsMust Watch
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