The Supreme Court has adjourned the hearing on the controversial film "Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Darji Murder Case" as the Central government is scheduled to hear amendment petitions against the CBFC certification of the film. The hearing before the Centre was scheduled at 2:30 pm on the same day.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi said they hoped the Centre's committee would take a decision promptly "without losing any time" and listed the matter for next Monday in view of the urgency expressed by the filmmakers.
Noting that the film's producer, director and Kanhaiya Lal's son have been reported to have received death threats, the court permitted them to approach the local police authorities, who have been directed to assess the threat and take preventive measures, if needed.
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The case involves two major petitions - one by Kanhaiya Lal murder case accused Mohammed Javed and the other by the filmmakers, who have challenged the Delhi High Court's stay on the film's release.
Senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy, representing Javed, argued that the film would adversely affect his right to a fair trial. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Maulana Arshad Madani, told the bench that the Centre would hear the CBFC amendment case later the same day.
Though the producers sought an urgent hearing, calling the Delhi High Court's "last-minute" stay order flawed, the Supreme Court refused, saying the Central government has the statutory right to reconsider the CBFC's certification under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
"The balance of convenience is in their favour… If the film is released, it may cause irreparable damage… But if there is a delay, you can be compensated,"- Justice Surya Kant
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Justice Kant said that releasing the film prematurely may render the objectors' pleas infructuous, while any damage caused to the producer can be compensated later.
The court also allowed Javed to be present during the Centre's hearing, though he was not a petitioner in the Delhi High Court case.
"Our judicial officers are not school going children to be influenced by film dialogues… to be completely sure of their impartiality,"- Justice Surya Kant
Sibal said that despite the 55 cuts ordered by the CBFC, the version he saw was extremely disturbing. He claimed that the film spread hatred and defamed an entire community, and no democratic country should allow such a story.
"Its entire theme is hatred towards a community… defamation… nothing positive… unimaginable that such a film can be certified in a democracy,"- Kapil Sibal
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In defence, senior advocate Gaurav Bhatia said that the film is based on a true incident and does not target any community, but extremism. He also highlighted the threats being received by the makers and the victim's family.
Background:
The film is based on the brutal murder of Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal in June 2022, who was allegedly killed by Mohammad Riyaz and Mohammad Gaus over a social media post supporting former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. The NIA is investigating the case and charges have been framed under UAPA and IPC.
On July 10, the Delhi High Court stayed the release of the film and accepted review petitions against the CBFC's certificate. One such petition was filed by Maulana Arshad Madani of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, alleging that the film was communally divisive.
Subsequently, petitions by both the producer and Javed were moved before the Supreme Court seeking relief.
Case Titles:
Mohammad Javed vs Union of India & Ors, W.P.(C) No. 647/2025
Jani Firefox Media Pvt. Ltd vs Maulana Arshad Madani & Ors, SLP(C) No. 18316/2025