Following Communal Considerations, the Release of the Movie ‘Udaipur Files’ Has Been Stayed by the Delhi High Court
NEW DELHI, India – July 11: The controversial film “Udaipur Files,” allegedly based on the 2022 murder of Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal, has had its release put on hold by the Delhi High Court. The decision, made on Thursday, July 10, 2025, was due to the film being instigative of communal disharmony and prejudicial to the trial of the accused, according to a number of petitions.
Judicial Resolution Brakes Film Release
The Delhi High Court, in its order, directed the petitioners to approach the Central Government seeking a revision in respect of the certification of the film granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The court mentioned that the stayed release of the film on July 11, 2025, would be in place until the government takes a decision on the interim relief application. This effectively means that its release in theaters may be delayed for an indefinite period.
Earlier, on July 9, 2025, the Supreme Court refused to entertain an urgent listing of a parallel plea with oral observations of, “Let the film be released.” However, the Supreme Court later clarified that the observations were not written in order but were simply a refusal for urgent listing since the matter had now been stayed by the Delhi High Court.
Concerns: Hate Speech and Prejudice in a Trial
The heart of all the legal troubles mostly brought by the Islamic clerical body Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind (JUH) and others is about allegations that “UdaipurFiles” spreads hate speech that unreasonably targets a particular community and can stir communal unrest throughout the nation. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioners, characterized the film as “the worst form of hate speech” and “cinematic vandalism,” asserting its “overall tone remains problematic” even after multiple cuts reportedly imposed by the CBFC.
It further raised doubts that any release of the film would prejudice the trial of the accused persons in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case and thus violate their right to a fair trial. Kanhaiya Lal was allegedly beheaded by Mohammad Riyaz and Mohammad Ghous in June 2022, who claimed that it was an act of retaliation for his social media post supporting the controversial remarks of a former BJP leader.
Defense of Filmmakers and CBFC Compliance
Advocates for the film “Udaipur Files” include its producer, Amit Jani—a Hindutva supporter—and Kanhaiya Lal’s son, Yash Sahu. Yash Sahu has said that the film is not against any particular religion but a “stand against terrorism” that tries to disclose the truth about his father’s murder.
The CBFC also narrated for the court that it had ordered the cut of 150 scenes from the film, including cutting out references to certain religious organizations and highly controversial statements, in order to restore communal harmony prior to granting certification. However, their contention is that the film underneath continues to be divisive.
Unclear Release
As to whether “Udaipur Files, featuring Vijay Raaz, Rajneesh Duggal, and Preeti Jhangiani, gets released is now dependent upon the Central Government’s decision upon the revision application. This litigation brings to bear the challenging balancing act between freedom of expression, upholding law and order, and ensuring the fair administration of justice within India’s complicated socio-political landscape.
