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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Unruly scenes witnessed in Punjab Assembly
Chandigarh (PTI): The Punjab Assembly on Friday witnessed high drama on Friday after Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira made an allegedly objectionable remark against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during an intense argument over the alleged use of mobile phone in the house by the legislator.
During the one-day special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha here, Mann accused Khaira of using a mobile phone when Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan was reading out an official resolution on the revision of wages.
After rising from his seat, the chief minister pointed to the speaker, claiming that Khaira is busy on his mobile phone and urged him to ask the Congress MLA what Sandhwan had said about the resolution.
The speaker then asked Khaira to maintain order in the house and listen to the resolution carefully.
Mann then asked Khaira, "Why don't you go out and then use it (mobile phone)," which led to a strong verbal altercation during which the opposition MLA hurled an accusation against the chief minister. Meanwhile, the speaker appealed for order and insisted that the chair be addressed.
However, both Mann and Khaira continued arguing and could be seen pointing fingers at each other as the proceedings of the house were disrupted.
The AAP MLAs also rose from their seats with Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema condemning Khaira for his conduct and demanded action against him.
Cheema further alleged that Khaira "always tries to disturb the house" as he spoke about his conduct in the assembly.
The incident occurred as an official resolution on the revision of wages was presented at the special session by Labour Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond who said it paid homage to labourers on the International Workers' Day.
"Workers are the axis of construction of the nation, the community, the state and society. Every construction project succeeds only through their blood and sweat," the resolution read.
As per the resolution, "The base rate of minimum wages for the working class in Punjab was last revised in the year 2012. Although the dearness allowance has continued to increase since 2012, there has been no increase in the base rate of minimum wages.
On this sacred occasion of May Day, in this special session of the legislative assembly, this house proposes to revise and increase the minimum wages of labourers and strongly recommends to the government to take a decision regarding the increase of minimum wages for workers, so that the contributions of the workers can be acknowledged." PRK
