NEW DELHI, AUGUST 7, 2025 — The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has dismissed revision petitions seeking to block the release of Udaipur Files, a film based on the 2022 murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Rajasthan. The ministry ruled that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) followed due legal procedures and implemented 55 cuts before granting certification, with additional voluntary cuts made by the filmmakers.
MINISTRY UPHOLDS CBFC CERTIFICATION
In a detailed order issued on Wednesday, Under Secretary Santosh Kumar Maurya stated:
“Therefore, in consideration of the foregoing facts and findings, and in pursuance of the directions contained in the Order of the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi dated 01.08.2025, the competent authority in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, acting in its capacity as the Revisional Authority under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, holds that no case is made out for the exercise of powers under sub-section (2) of Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act, 1952. Accordingly, the revision petitions/representations are hereby dismissed.”
The ministry noted that objections to the movie’s release did not provide sufficient grounds to warrant any further action beyond what had already been done through the CBFC certification process.
BACKGROUND: LEGAL BATTLE OVER ‘UDAIPUR FILES’
The film, based on the killing of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in June 2022, has faced legal scrutiny and opposition due to its sensitive content. Lal was murdered by two individuals after he posted a WhatsApp status in support of BJP leader Nupur Sharma, who had made controversial remarks about Prophet Muhammad.
The movie, initially scheduled for release on July 11, 2025, was stayed by the Delhi High Court, which directed the Centre to exercise its revisional powers under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and re-examine the film.
HIGH COURT’S DIRECTIVE AND FRESH REVIEW
Following submissions from Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, the Centre withdrew its earlier order concerning cuts and agreed to conduct a fresh review, as per the Delhi High Court’s order dated August 1, 2025. The Court also emphasized the limited scope of the Centre’s revisional powers and questioned the legal authority to mandate edits.
The filmmakers, aiming for an August 8 release, cooperated with the new directives. A government-appointed review committee assessed the film and recommended changes, which the producers accepted.
PETITIONS OPPOSING THE FILM
Among those opposing the film’s release were Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani and one of the accused in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case. The petitioners argued that the film vilifies Muslims and could compromise the right to a fair trial for the accused.
SUPREME COURT INVOLVEMENT
The film’s producers escalated the matter to the Supreme Court after the initial stay order. However, the apex court declined to interfere, allowing the High Court’s order to stand and prompting the Centre’s fresh review.
FINAL DECISION AND RELEASE
After thorough reconsideration, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reaffirmed the CBFC’s decision and dismissed all revision petitions, paving the way for the movie’s release with the prescribed cuts.
