Will the Supreme Court Decide on the Controversial Film ‘Udaipur Files’ Today?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court is hearing petitions concerning the film 'Udaipur Files.'
- The film portrays the murder of Kanhaiya Lal, which shocked the nation.
- Concerns about public safety and legal fairness are central to the case.
- The outcome could redefine the balance between artistic expression and legal rights.
- The decision is anticipated to influence future cases involving sensitive subject matters.
New Delhi, July 21 (NationPress) The Supreme Court is anticipated to continue its proceedings on a series of petitions concerning the contentious film ‘Udaipur Files’, which portrays the horrific murder of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor from Udaipur, Rajasthan, on Monday.
The murder, executed in broad daylight in June 2022 by Mohammad Riyaz Attari and Ghaus Mohammad, reverberated across the nation.
Among the significant petitions is one lodged by film producer Amit Johnny, who has contested the Delhi High Court's temporary order that halted the film's release. Initially intended to premiere on July 11, the release was postponed by the High Court, citing concerns over public order and the sensitivity surrounding the ongoing trial in the Kanhaiya Lal case.
Another important petition has been submitted by Javed, one of the defendants in the Kanhaiya Lal murder trial, who contends that the film's release could bias ongoing legal proceedings and sway public opinion, potentially undermining a fair trial.
During its previous hearing, the Supreme Court had postponed the case until July 21, indicating that the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting was reviewing the film through an expert panel.
The Bench, consisting of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, remarked, “We can wait for the Centre’s perspective. If the Union finds no issue with the film, we will consider that. Should they recommend edits, we will evaluate that as well.”
The Court stressed that the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution supersedes the right to freedom of expression as per Article 19, a point that has ignited discussions among advocates of free speech.
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court urged the Centre to hasten its decision, instructing the committee to act “immediately, without delay,” in light of the urgency expressed by the filmmakers.
As the Supreme Court revisits this case on Monday, its decision will significantly influence the future of ‘Udaipur Files’.