‘Udaipur Files’ film won’t release for now; Supreme Court awaits Centre’s decision

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court postponed its review of the Udaipur Files movie release, pending the results of the review petition process before a committee set up by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The court will next address the issue on Monday. The committee, scheduled to convene at 2:30 PM on Wednesday, was instructed to also consider the objection regarding the movie’s release made by the accused, Mohammed Javed. The committee has been instructed to resolve the matter “promptly.”

The court has additionally permitted the filmmakers and the victim’s son, Kanhaiya Lal, to contact the police and, if a risk assessment is concluded, ensure their protection.

The film ‘Udaipur Files’ focuses on the homicide of tailor Kanhaiya Lal, who was murdered in Udaipur, Rajasthan, in June 2022, reportedly by Mohammad Riyaz and Mohammad Ghous. The attackers subsequently published a video asserting that the killing was a response to the tailor reportedly posting on social media in favor of former BJP leader Nupur Sharma after her contentious remarks regarding Prophet Mohammed.

The film was initially set to premiere in theaters on July 11. On Thursday, July 10, the Delhi high court ordered a halt to the film’s release. The stay will continue until the Central Government rules on Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind’s revision request regarding the certification issued by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

The case was investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the defendants were charged under the strict Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) as well as sections of the Indian Penal Code. The case is awaiting trial in the designated NIA court located in Jaipur.