Udaipur Files: Delhi HC Seeks Fresh Call from Centre After Withdrawal of Clearance
High Court recorded Centre’s decision to withdraw July 21 clearance of Udaipur Files, directed revisional authority to hear parties on August 4 and decide petitions by Aug 6.;
The Delhi High Court on Friday recorded the Central Government’s submission that it would withdraw its July 21 order clearing the release of the film Udaipur Files and issue a fresh decision on the revision petitions after hearing all concerned parties.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela was hearing three petitions challenging the Centre’s decision to clear the film for release.
Two petitions were filed by Mohammed Javed, an accused in the 2022 Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal murder case, and Maulana Arshad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind. The third petition, filed by Satish Aggarwal, former Vice President of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, will be heard separately.
Appearing for the Union of India and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma informed the court that, on instructions from Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Additional Director, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Centre had decided to withdraw the July 21 order and re-examine the matter in accordance with law.
Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy appeared for Javed, while Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal represented Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind. Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia appeared for the film’s producer.
Bhatia strongly opposed any delay in the film’s release, informing the Bench that Udaipur Files was initially scheduled to hit theatres on July 11. “I’ve already lost 20 days. The next available date is August 8 or earlier, depending on theatre availability,” he submitted.
The Court said it would ensure that the revision petition is decided before that date.
Bhatia contended that he held a valid CBFC certificate, and no stay could be granted without proper adjudication.
The Court agreed that since the Centre was withdrawing the earlier order, a fresh hearing would be necessary. “You will also be heard,” the Bench assured Bhatia.
ASG Sharma clarified that the withdrawal was due to the form of the earlier order, not due to any lack of jurisdiction under Section 6(2) of the Cinematograph Act.
Bhatia urged that a decision by Monday would make the August 8 release feasible. “All the material and recommendations are already available. It can be done within 24 hours,” he said.
The Court indicated that the government should hear all parties by Monday, August 4, and pass a final order by Wednesday, August 6 or earlier.
Court Order Highlights:
1. The Centre shall withdraw its July 21 order and pass a fresh decision on the revision petitions after hearing all parties.
2. All parties are to appear before the revisional authority at 2:00 PM on Monday, August 4, without seeking adjournments.
3. No fresh notices are required to be issued.
4. The revisional authority must issue its final decision by Wednesday, August 6.
5. The Court clarified that its observations do not reflect any opinion on the merits of the parties’ claims.
6. The matter is now listed for further hearing on September 2, though parties may seek early listing.
In the pre- lunch session, the Court today grilled the Central Government over its exercise of revisional authority in the clearance of the film Udaipur Files, asking whether the Centre acted within the bounds of Section 6(2) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 while recommending further cuts after the film had already received certification.
It is to be noted that, Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia, appearing for the producers of the film had informed the Court on July 28, that the film had undergone six cuts and included a disclaimer, as directed by the Central government, but the updated certificate from the CBFC is still awaited. CJ Upadhyay had noted that the film cannot be exhibited without re-certification and remarked that there was no urgency to the matter.
Case Title: Mohammed Javed v. UOI and connected matters
Hearing Date: August 1, 2025
Bench: Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela