The Delhi High Court ordered a stay on the release of the film ‘Udaipur Files’ until the Central government reviews its content under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act, 1952. The film, which was scheduled to be released on July 11, is based on the 2022 murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal Teli in Udaipur.
The interim order was passed by a Bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal on a batch of petitions, including one filed by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani. The petitioners contended that the film vilifies the Muslim community and sought a ban on its release.
The Court directed the Central government to exercise its revisional powers under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act, which allows it to review and revise the certification granted to a film, either suo motu or on an application by an aggrieved person. The Court observed that although the petitioners had not availed this remedy, they should approach the appropriate authority under the Act before seeking judicial intervention.
While noting that the Court’s jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution is not barred in such matters, the Bench emphasized that statutory remedies must first be exhausted.
The matter is expected to remain on hold until the Central government completes its review.