Jamiat vs Udaipur Files: Will This Controversial Film Be Banned Before It Hits Theatres?

Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, a well-recognized Muslim organization under Maulana Arshad Madani, has taken legal action by filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Delhi High Court to block the release of the film ‘Udaipur Files: The Kanhaiya Lal Murder’, set for release on July 11, 2025. Their primary concern is that the film could potentially ignite communal tensions and misrepresent the Muslim community, especially by connecting them to the 2022 Udaipur murder case.

The organization’s petition points to the film’s trailer, already circulating online, highlighting scenes and dialogues they believe are inflammatory and portray Muslim clerics in a negative and defamatory manner. From their perspective, the content is not only misleading but might also threaten communal harmony, particularly given the volatile aftermath of the original incident.

Furthermore, the PIL questions the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) approval process, referencing Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act—which prohibits certification of content that could compromise public order or morality. The Jamiat is requesting the removal of the trailer from major platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter), and is seeking to halt the film’s theatrical release.

The petition includes the film’s director, producer, distributor Reliance Entertainment, and various digital media platforms as respondents. The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear the case on July 9. Notably, similar petitions have been filed in other jurisdictions, including the Bombay and Gujarat High Courts.

This legal move has reignited the ongoing discussion in India about the balance between creative expression and social responsibility, especially when dealing with sensitive real-life events.

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