“ Udaipur Files’’ the film on Kanhaiya Lal Teli who was brutally murdered on June 28, 2022 inside his Udaipur shop by two assailants, is all set to release on July 11th. A plea by one of the accused in the murder case to stay the film's release, on grounds that its contents could adversely impact his right to a fair trial was rejected by the Apex Court.

Refusing an early intervention the court directed that the matter be taken up after its reopening on July 14, effectively allowing the film’s release on July 11.

Background:

Kanhaiya Lal Teli, a modest tailor was brutally murdered on June 28, 2022 inside his Udaipur shop by two assailants, Mohammad Riyaz and Mojammad Ghous who recorded and circulated the act, claiming it was revenge for his alleged support of Nupur Sharma and alleged blasphemy. The National Investigation Agency(NIA) took over the case, charging the accused under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and Indian Penal Code (IPC), and the trial continues in a Special NIA Court in Jaipur.

The petitioner Mohammed Javed, filed a writ petition arguing that the movie portrays the alleged accused individuals as definitely guilty, presenting a one-sided narrative that could sway public sentiment and undermine the judicial process.

He cited Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act and invoked Article 21 protections, warning that public perception shaped by the film would hamper the presumption of “innocent until proven guilty’’.

The Supreme Court bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi, however refused urgent listing.When the petitioner highlighted the imminent release, Justice Dhulia replied “Let it be released,”directing that the matter be formally mentioned after resumption on July 14.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court is currently examining a separate Public Interest Litigation(PIL) filed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani, which also seeks to prohibit the release of the film. During the proceedings, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) informed the bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal that specific objectionable content had been removed prior to granting certification.

The Court has ordered a private screening of the film and its trailer for the counsels involved Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioner, and Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the CBFC. The petitioner has been directed to examine the edits made to the film and submit a response to the Court by Thursday.

During the hearing, the counsel appearing on behalf of Maulana Arshad Madani, raised concerns that the film portrays the Muslim community in a negative light and could escalate communal tensions. The petition claims that the movie promotes a highly divisive narrative and highlights controversial statements made by former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma.

Additionally, the film’s producers also confirmed that all the recommended cuts had been duly implemented.

Case Title:Maulana Arshad Madani vs. Union Of India And Ors

W.P.(C)-9362/2025