Will the Supreme Court Address the Controversial 'Udaipur Files' Today?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court to hear petitions on 'Udaipur Files'.
- Film centers on the murder of Kanhaiya Lal.
- Legal battles highlight issues of censorship.
- Delhi High Court imposed a stay over unauthorized teaser.
- Calls for balanced handling of the case are ongoing.
New Delhi, July 16 (NationPress) The Supreme Court is poised to deliberate on petitions concerning the contentious film 'Udaipur Files' this Wednesday, amidst a backdrop of legal and political disputes regarding its release.
The film, which was set to premiere globally on July 11, depicts the horrific murder of Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor from Udaipur, Rajasthan, who tragically lost his life in June 2022 at the hands of Mohammad Riyaz Attari and Ghaus Mohammad, who inflicted fatal wounds by slitting his throat.
A bench consisting of Justice Suryakant and Justice Joymala Bagchi will review two significant petitions. One was submitted by film producer Amit Johnny, who contests the Delhi High Court’s interim ruling that has temporarily halted the film's release.
The second petition comes from Javed, one of the defendants in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case, claiming that the film’s release may unduly influence the ongoing judicial proceedings.
Just one day prior to its planned release, the Delhi High Court imposed a stay on the film, citing serious issues regarding the launch of a teaser that lacked certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The court remarked that the teaser, which was made public on June 26, included content that the CBFC had previously mandated for removal.
While the CBFC had approved the film for viewing on June 20 and a revised trailer received certification on July 2, the High Court raised concerns about the producer's actions due to the unauthorized and premature teaser release.
Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia, representing the filmmakers, requested an expedited hearing at the Supreme Court, emphasizing that the film was intended for theatrical release on Friday. However, the Delhi High Court had intervened just a day before, on Thursday at 8 p.m.
In the meantime, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind has submitted a petition to the Supreme Court, asking that no decision be made without considering their perspective. Additionally, those opposing the film have presented a request to the Centre, urging it to prolong the stay on the film's release and to ensure an impartial and balanced approach to the case.