Delhi HC allows release of Udaipur Files movie

The movie, which is based on the 2022 murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur, has been accused of vilifying the Muslim community. It was initially slated to be released on July 11, but was temporarily stayed by the Delhi high court on July 10. On July 21, the Centre cleared it for release, subject to the filmmaker carrying out six additional edits. However, on August 1,the Centre withdrew its order and passed a fresh order on August 6, upholding the movie’s certification.

On Thursday, the bench of chief justice DK Upadhyay and justice Tushar Rao Gedela was hearing the petition filed by Mohd Javed –– an accused in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case –– who sought a stay on the release of the movie during the pendency of his writ challenging the Centre’s August 6 order.

Rejecting the plea, the court said the petitioner had failed to establish a prima facie case and the movie’s screening would not prejudice his right to fair trial since the same would be conducted by the judge uninfluenced by what is being depicted in the movie.