Supreme Court Directs Centre to Expedite Decision on ‘Udaipur Files’ Certification Amid Communal Tension Concerns
New Delhi, July 16, 2025 — The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Union government to “immediately” decide on revision pleas challenging the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) approval granted to the controversial film ‘Udaipur Files’, based on the 2022 murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Rajasthan.
The directive came from a Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymala Bagchi, which was hearing a petition filed by the film’s producer, Amit Johnny, contesting the Delhi High Court’s interim stay on the film’s release.
Centre's Panel Must Act Without Delay: SC
Referring to the Cinematograph Act, the top court said that the Centre is empowered under Section 6 to review or suspend a film’s certification and even prevent its public exhibition if deemed necessary.
“We can wait for some time. We are told that a committee has been formed, and the Union is looking into it. We can have the benefit of the Union of India’s view,” Justice Kant observed during the hearing.
The matter has now been listed for further hearing on July 21.
Background: Controversy Over Kanhaiya Lal Murder Case Depiction
The film, Udaipur Files, is based on the brutal killing of Kanhaiya Lal in June 2022, who was murdered in broad daylight by Mohammad Riyaz Attari and Ghaus Mohammad. The assailants had reportedly attacked Lal for allegedly supporting a social media post in favor of a controversial remark on Prophet Muhammad.
The incident had sparked widespread outrage and tension in Rajasthan and across the country.
One of the accused in the murder case, Javed, has approached the Supreme Court, arguing that the release of the film could interfere with the ongoing trial before a Special NIA Court, thereby prejudicing judicial proceedings.
Delhi High Court’s Interim Stay and Legal Challenge
The film was scheduled to be released last week. However, on July 10, a Division Bench of the Delhi High Court, led by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal, put a temporary stay on its release until the Centre rules on the revision pleas.
Among the petitioners is Maulana Arshad Madani, president of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, who contends that the CBFC certification was granted in violation of Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and the Film Certification Guidelines, as the movie could disturb communal harmony and public order.
The High Court had allowed the petitioners and concerned public members to submit revision pleas within two days and instructed the Centre to hear the producer and decide the matter within a week. It also noted that any plea for interim relief must be addressed promptly.
Implications for Film Censorship and Free Speech
This ongoing legal battle has once again reignited the debate around freedom of expression versus communal sensitivity in India’s cinematic space. Critics argue that films based on real-life criminal cases can undermine fair trials, while supporters stress the filmmakers' right to depict true events without bias.
With the Supreme Court opting to wait for the Union government’s stand, the final verdict on the film’s release and certification remains pending.
Final Thoughts from The Trending People
The Udaipur Files controversy is emblematic of the fine line India’s judiciary and filmmakers must walk between artistic freedom and communal harmony. As the Centre reviews the revision pleas, the Supreme Court's next move could set a precedent for how sensitive real-life events are portrayed on screen — and what limits are imposed in the name of public interest.