New Delhi | July 25, 2025
The Supreme Court has declined to pass any immediate order staying the release of the controversial film Udaipur Files, which dramatizes the brutal 2022 murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Rajasthan’s Udaipur. Instead, the Court directed all parties involved to approach the Delhi High Court, asking it to hear the matter and decide on the pending petitions this coming Monday, July 28.
The decision comes amidst growing legal and political debate around the film’s release and its potential to provoke communal tensions.
What Happened in Supreme Court?
A two-judge bench led by Justice Surya Kant, along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi, took up multiple petitions today including those filed by the film’s producers and individuals accused in the Udaipur murder case. Petitioners alleged the film could disrupt communal harmony, distort ongoing trial proceedings, and unfairly stigmatize a religious community.
However, the bench emphasized that it would not override existing legal processes, especially after the Centre had already reviewed and cleared the film with several recommended changes.
“We believe the Delhi High Court is already seized of the matter. Let it decide the issue finally. We will not interfere at this stage,” the bench said.
Background: What Is Udaipur Files?
The movie portrays the 2022 beheading of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor who was killed after allegedly expressing support for suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma. The case shocked the nation and is still under judicial trial.
Several public interest litigants, including Maulana Arshad Madani of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and accused individual Mohammad Javed, moved court claiming that the film could prejudice the legal case and incite hatred.
Centre’s Role: Film Cleared With Changes
Earlier this month, the Information & Broadcasting Ministry reviewed the film under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act after objections were filed. A government-appointed expert panel cleared the film after recommending six edits, which were all reportedly complied with. These included:
• Adding a clear disclaimer with voice-over
• Altering references to real names
• Removing an AI-generated execution scene
• Deleting certain dialogues that were deemed inflammatory
Delhi High Court to Hear Final Arguments
The Delhi High Court had initially stayed the release of the film, asking petitioners to file their objections with the Centre. Now that the Centre has responded and the film has been modified, the HC will hear the merged petitions on Monday, July 28, 2025 to decide whether the release can go forward.
