Supreme Court Maintains Stay on Udaipur Files, Urges Swift Government Review

NEW DELHI:

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday declined to lift the stay imposed by the Delhi High Court on the release of the film Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder. A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi instructed the Union government to expedite its review of the petitioners’ objections before the matter’s next hearing, scheduled for 21 July 2025.

The film, based on the June 2022 murder of Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal Teli, had received a certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and was slated for cinematic release on 11 July. However, the Delhi High Court on 10 July directed a stay while urging petitioners, including Jamiat Ulema‑i‑Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani, to approach the central government for a revision of the CBFC’s decision under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act.

In the Supreme Court hearing, the bench stated:

“We expect that committee will decide the revision plea immediately without any loss of time. Post the matter for further consideration on July 21,”.

It noted the stay was procedural and not a reflection on the content, explaining the High Court had merely relegated the matter to regulatory scrutiny. The Supreme Court emphasised that undue delay in the government committee’s decision would not be tolerated.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, acting for Maulana Madani, had earlier described the film as a “complete thematic dissertation against a community” and “cinematic vandalism”, asserting its release posed a risk of communal disharmony.

Conversely, the film’s producers, represented by Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia, contended they held a valid CBFC certificate and had all logistical arrangements in place. Bhatia argued the last‑minute stay disrupted the fundamental rights of the filmmakers and distributors.

A petition by Mohammed Javed, one of the accused in the murder case, seeking to block the film on grounds that it could prejudice the trial, was also declined for urgent hearing by the Supreme Court on 9 July with the comment, “Let it be released”.

On 10 July, the Delhi High Court stayed the film’s release until the Union Government’s panel decides on rival applications addressing the CBFC’s certification.

In its ruling on 16 July, the Supreme Court clarified that it had not granted any written order allowing release but had only declined to immediately list pleas. The court reiterated that the decision lies with the government committee, whose prompt evaluation is now essential.

While the Supreme Court awaits the outcome of administrative review, the film’s release remains suspended. The case now hinges on the Union government committee’s decision ahead of the next hearing on 21 July.