Take call on certification for Udaipur Files immediately, top court tells govt

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the central government to “immediately” take a call on whether the film Udaipur Files, based on the 2022 murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal, should continue to hold its certification, amid allegations that the movie vilifies the Muslim community and threatens communal harmony.

- Utkarsh Anand

Citing Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act, a bench of justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi noted that the Centre has adequate powers to declare a film uncertified or suspend its release if it is found to be against public interest. The court noted that a government panel, constituted on July 14 to examine objections raised by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani, was already seized of the matter.

“We find it appropriate to defer the hearing since the matter is pending before the central government,” the bench said, urging all parties to cooperate fully with the panel.