The Delhi High Court on Thursday disposed of two petitions concerning the release of the film Udaipur Files.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela instructed the central government to hear both supporters and opponents of the film on August 4 and to make a decision following the law.
Centre Withdraws Earlier Order; Plans Fresh Review
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the Centre, informed the court that the government had decided to withdraw its July 21 order regarding the film. He stated that the matter would now be reconsidered from scratch.
The court also clarified that it does not intend any remarks made in the order or during the hearing to reflect its opinion on the merits of the claims made by either party.
The director’s counsel informed the court that the filmmakers are aiming to release Udaipur Files in theatres on August 8.
The film reportedly portrays the events surrounding the killing of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
Mohammed Riyaz Attari and Ghaus Mohammed brutally murdered 40-year-old tailor Kanhaiya Lal on June 28, 2022. The assailants recorded the killing and shared the video on social media, claiming that the act was a form of religious retribution.
Lal’s only ‘fault’ was reportedly forwarding a WhatsApp post in support of controversial remarks made by BJP leader Nupur Sharma about Prophet Muhammad. Investigations later revealed that Lal’s 8-year-old son had mistakenly forwarded the post.
Calls for Ban Intensify
Several Muslim organisations, including Jamaat-e-Islami, have been actively demanding a ban on Udaipur Files.
They have submitted memorandums to the President and Chief Ministers, citing communal sensitivities and potential law-and-order concerns. Despite the backlash, the film is set for theatrical release and continues to generate public and legal scrutiny.
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