Delhi High Court Halts Udaipur Files Release Citing Fair Trial Concerns

Ziya Khan July 12, 2025Last Updated: July 12, 2025

The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a temporary stay on the release of the film Udaipur Files, which is based on the murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal. Originally slated for release on July 11, the film’s debut has now been postponed until the central government decides on petitions seeking a permanent ban. A division bench led by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal directed the petitioners to submit their grievances to the central government within two days.

The petitioners, who are accused in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case, approached the court claiming that releasing the film could jeopardize their right to a fair trial. The bench observed, “Admittedly, petitioners have not taken recourse to available remedy with the central government.

”It further ruled, “Since we are relegating petitioners to invoke revisional remedy, we provide that till the application for grant of interim relief is decided by the government, there shall be a stay on the release of the film.”Kanhaiya Lal, a tailor from Udaipur, was killed in June 2022 by Mohammad Riyaz and Mohammad Ghous. The accused later released a video stating the murder was retaliation for Lal’s alleged social media post supporting former BJP leader Nupur Sharma, following her controversial remarks about Prophet Mohammed.

The case is being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), with the accused charged under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. The trial is ongoing before a special NIA court in Jaipur.

Besides certification issues, the film faces legal challenges regarding its potential impact on communal harmony and public order. According to a PTI report, a petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the film’s release on these grounds. The matter is expected to be heard soon.As of now, neither the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) nor the Delhi High Court has issued any public statements on the situation.