Supreme Court declines to lift stay on Udaipur Files movie, directs centre to expedite review
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to lift the interim stay imposed by the Delhi High Court on the release of the controversial film Udaipur Files, which is based on the 2022 murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal Teli in Udaipur.
A Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymala Bagchi observed that the Central government had constituted a committee to examine the objections raised against the film, and therefore it would await the committee’s decision before proceeding further.
“We expect the committee to decide the revision plea immediately without any loss of time,” the Court ordered, posting the matter for further hearing on July 21.
The Delhi High Court had stayed the film’s release on July 10, a day before its scheduled premiere, and directed the Central government to exercise its revisional powers under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act to reassess the film’s content. The order was passed on multiple petitions, including one filed by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani, alleging that the film vilifies the Muslim community.
Although the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had previously informed the High Court that certain objectionable parts had been removed, the screening organized for the counsels led to fresh concerns. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Madani, stated he was “shaken” by what he saw, calling the film a “complete thematic dissertation against a community” that promotes “violence, homosexuality, child abuse, and vilification.”
The producers, represented by Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia, argued that the film had received valid CBFC clearance and that staying the release just 12 hours before its schedule had resulted in piracy risks and business losses. Bhatia also raised concerns about the producers’ fundamental rights and urged for expedited relief.
However, the apex court remarked that it cannot interfere with the statutory process underway. “If the Centre finds no issue, we will consider that. If they suggest cuts, we can look at them. But since the statutory mechanism is being followed, we can wait,” the Court said.
The Court also permitted one of the accused in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case to be represented before the committee. Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy, appearing for the accused, emphasized that free speech cannot override the right to a fair trial, noting that the film may impact ongoing judicial proceedings and portray the judiciary irresponsibly.
Responding to this, Justice Surya Kant remarked, “Our judicial officers are not school-going children who will be swayed by a movie or its dialogues. We trust their objectivity and training.”
The Court was also informed that threats had been issued to the film’s producers, director, and Kanhaiya Lal’s son. The Bench directed them to approach local authorities for protection and said that appropriate action should be taken if credible threats were found.
In closing, the Court acknowledged the seriousness of the objections raised but noted that the delay in release could be compensated, whereas an untimely release might result in “irreparable damage.”
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MP: 12 labourers killed, 20 injured as pick-up van overturns and crashes into SUV
Dhar (MP) (PTI): Twelve labourers were killed and 20 others injured when the pick-up van carrying them overturned and collided with an SUV in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday night, an official said.
The incident occurred at 8:30-9 PM. According to preliminary information, 35 labourers were returning home in a pickup van from Baggad in Dhar district when the driver lost control of the vehicle near Chikliya crossing. The vehicle overturned and collided with an SUV coming from the opposite direction.
"Twelve people died on the spot, while approximately 20 others were injured," said Dhar district's in-charge collector, Abhishek Choudhary.
The seriously injured persons were referred to Indore after initial treatment, he said.
Choudhary, DIG Mayank Awasthi, and police personnel rushed to the spot.
Tirla police have registered a case and are investigating the accident.
