The Delhi High Court on Friday directed the Central government to again review the film Udaipur Files, based on the murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur, Rajasthan, by August 6.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela questioned the Central government’s power to order cuts in the movie in exercise of its revisional jurisdiction under Cinematograph Act.
The Counsel appearing for the Union government sought permission to withdraw the order suggesting six cuts in the flick and take a fresh decision on the film in accordance with the law.
The release of the movie, earlier scheduled for July 11, was postponed to August 8.
Taking this in consideration, the High Court directed the Union government to hear the parties – those for and against the movie – on August 4 and take an appropriate decision by August 6.
The Division Bench passed the order on two petitions filed by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani and one of the accused in Kanhaiya Lal murder case, challenging the release of the film.
While Madani contended that the film vilified Muslims, the accused in the murder case of Kanhaiya Lal said it would affect his right to fair trial.
Two Islamists allegedly beheaded Kanhaiya Lal in June 2022 after he put up a WhatsApp status supporting BJP leader Nupur Sharma over her controversial remarks on Prophet Muhammad.