The fate of the film "Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder," which is based on the 2022 murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Rajasthan, hangs in the balance as it awaits a final decision from the Supreme Court. While a committee of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has conditionally cleared the film with certain modifications, the Supreme Court has extended the stay on its release until July 24, 2025, as the court is expected to hear the parties on the decision taken by the Centre.
The film's release has been fraught with legal challenges and concerns over its potential to incite communal disharmony. The Delhi High Court had initially stayed the release of the film, responding to petitions seeking a ban based on the grounds that it could "promote disharmony" in society. This stay was implemented despite the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) having already cleared the film with 55 cuts.
Following the High Court's order, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting formed a committee on July 14, 2025, to reassess the film's certification. This committee has now recommended six additional changes to the film, beyond the initial 55 cuts. These include a revised disclaimer, the removal of credit frames expressing gratitude to certain individuals, and alterations to an AI-generated scene resembling a "Saudi Arabia-style execution". The committee also suggested replacing all instances of a character named "Nutan Sharma," including deleting dialogues attributed to her, particularly one referencing religious texts. Additionally, certain dialogues about the Balochi community have been flagged for deletion.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Union government, argued before the Supreme Court that the Centre has made its decision on the film, and further intervention would infringe upon the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. However, senior advocates Kapil Sibal and others, representing Maulana Arshad Madani, head of Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, and an accused individual named Javed, have opposed the film's release.
The Supreme Court has acknowledged the concerns raised about the film's potential to prejudice the ongoing trial of those accused in Kanhaiya Lal's murder and to disrupt communal harmony. The court has emphasized the need to balance the filmmakers' right to freedom of expression with the rights of the accused to a fair trial and the maintenance of social harmony. The court noted that while filmmakers could be compensated for financial losses, the potential harm to the trial or national harmony is irreparable.
The CBFC defended its initial decision to certify the film, stating that "Udaipur Files" is a fictionalized account inspired by real events and not a depiction of actual individuals or communities. The board highlighted the 55 edits it mandated, including removing provocative visuals, inserting disclaimers, and replacing specific terms to ensure sensitivity.
As the Supreme Court continues its review, the film's release remains uncertain. The court has extended the stay on the film's release until July 24, pending further deliberation on the Centre's decision and the concerns raised by the petitioners. The bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi has made it clear that the Centre's order will be binding unless challenged and the plea is allowed. The final verdict will determine whether "Udaipur Files" can be released to the public, and under what conditions, balancing artistic expression with the need to prevent communal discord and ensure a fair trial.
