Vishal
In a significant legal development, the Delhi High Court has stayed the release of the controversial film ‘Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder’, just a day before its scheduled theatrical release.
The court has directed the Central Government to decide within a week whether the film should be allowed to hit the screens.
The movie, based on the brutal murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur in 2022, has sparked a heated debate over freedom of expression, communal harmony, and censorship.
Background of the Case
The Kanhaiya Lal Murder
On the afternoon of June 28, 2022, a horrific act of violence unfolded in Udaipur, Rajasthan, when Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor by profession, was brutally murdered in his shop.
The two perpetrators, Mohammad Riyaz Attari and Mohammad Ghaus, not only committed the heinous crime in broad daylight but also filmed the entire act, subsequently circulating the gruesome video across social media platforms.
This shocking murder was allegedly carried out in direct retaliation for a social media post made by Kanhaiya Lal, in which he expressed support for Nupur Sharma, a former spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Sharma’s earlier remarks regarding the Prophet Muhammad had ignited widespread protests and controversy across India and internationally.
The brutal nature of Lal’s murder, coupled with the perpetrators’ brazen act of filming and disseminating the video, sent shockwaves throughout the nation.
The incident immediately sparked widespread outrage and revulsion, leading to vociferous demands from various sections of society for stringent measures against religious extremism and those who propagate it.
The event underscored the volatile nature of religious sentiments and the tragic consequences that can arise from their radicalization.
About ‘Udaipur Files’
Produced by Amit Jani and directed by Bharat S. Shrinate, Udaipur Files, the events surrounding Lal’s murder. The film features Vijay Raaz, Rajneesh Duggal, and Preeti Jhangiani in key roles.
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had cleared the film with 55 cuts, but petitioners argued that it still contained inflammatory content.
#UdaipurFilesReleaseKaro pic.twitter.com/dcl6CLoEAJ
— Sarthak Bhagat (@sarthakbhagat45) July 11, 2025
Delhi High Court’s Interim Stay Order
The Delhi High Court’s interim stay on Udaipur Files: The Kanhaiya Lal Murder has ignited a fierce debate on truth, justice, and creative freedom.
The film’s team stands firm in their mission—to expose the brutal reality of Kanhaiya Lal’s murder and the ideology behind it.
Why Was the Film Stayed?
A division bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal heard petitions from:
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Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind (an organization with a history of defending terror accused)
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Journalist Prashant Tandon
Their arguments:
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“Hate Speech” Claims – They allege the film targets a community, but the filmmakers argue they are only showing the facts of a terror crime.
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“Communal Tension” Fear – The petitioners claim the film could disrupt peace, but the real question is: Should the truth be silenced for fear of backlash?
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CBFC Certification Issues – The film had already undergone 55 cuts as per CBFC guidelines, yet the stay was imposed at the last moment.
Kapil Sibal’s Controversial Stand
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioners, called Udaipur Files the “worst form of hate speech.” But the filmmakers counter:
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“If showing the truth is hate speech, then what is justice?”
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The movie does not generalize any community—it focuses solely on Kanhaiya Lal’s killers and their extremist ideology.
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The uncut version was screened for Sibal, yet he still opposed it—raising questions about ulterior motives.
The Filmmakers’ Fight for Truth
The Udaipur Files team, led by producer Amit Jani, is determined to take this battle to the Supreme Court. Their stance:
✔ “We will not let the truth be buried.”
The film is based on court documents, police records, and real footage.
✔ “This is not fiction—it’s a documented crime.”
The murder was filmed by the killers themselves and went viral.
✔ “If we stay silent today, more Kanhaiya Lals will happen tomorrow.” – The film exposes the danger of radicalization.
What’s Next?
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The Central Government has 7 days to decide.
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The filmmakers will appeal in the Supreme Court if needed.
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The bigger question: Will India allow the truth of a terror crime to be told, or will fear silence justice?
CBFC and Government’s Stand
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Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma argued that the film had already undergone 55 cuts and was specific to Kanhaiya Lal’s murder case.
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The CBFC had issued a notice to the producer for releasing an uncertified teaser before approval.
Court’s Decision
The Delhi HC did not impose a permanent ban but stayed the release until the Central Government reviews the matter under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act. The government has 7 days to decide.
The Udaipur Files team is not backing down. Their message is clear:
“No legal stay can stop the truth. Kanhaiya Lal’s story WILL be told.”
Reactions to the Court’s Order
Kanhaiya Lal’s Family
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Yash Sahu (Kanhaiya Lal’s son) expressed frustration, stating:
“The criminals haven’t been punished in three years, but a film showing the truth was banned in three days.”
Film Producer’s Response
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Amit Jani announced plans to challenge the stay in the Supreme Court, accusing Kapil Sibal of opposing the film for professional fees rather than merit.
Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind’s Reaction
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Arshad Madani, president of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, called the stay a “victory for constitutional values”, alleging the film maligned Muslims.
Controversy Around Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind
The organization has a history of defending terror accused, including:
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26/11 Mumbai attack suspects
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Indian Mujahideen operatives
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ISIS-linked cases
Critics argue that Jamiat’s petition against the film aligns with its pattern of opposing narratives that expose extremism.
What’s Next?
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The Central Government must decide within 7 days whether to allow the film’s release.
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The producer may approach the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing.
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If cleared, the film could release with CBFC-mandated cuts.
The ‘Udaipur Files’ controversy highlights the tightrope between free speech and communal sensitivity. While the court has temporarily halted its release, the final decision rests with the Centre. The case also reignites debates on censorship, artistic freedom, and the portrayal of real-life crimes in cinema.
Will the film eventually see the light of day, or will concerns over law and order prevail? The next 7 days will be crucial.
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