Delhi High Court Clears Theatrical Release of ‘120 Bahadur’ for Nov 21

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday, 19 November, allowed the theatrical release of the Farhan Akhtar-starrer 120 Bahadur on 21 November, while disposing of a petition challenging the CFC certification granted to the film on the ground that it presents a “distorted view of history.”

The film, slated for release on 21 November 2025, is based on the valour of Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his leadership in the Battle of Rezang La, fought on 18 November 1962 during the Sino-Indian War.

A bench of Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Shail Jain recorded the petitioners’ submission that all 120 soldiers who fought in the battle have been credited in the film.

The Court also noted that it would be too late to alter the film’s title, release date, or make substantial changes at the last moment, and observed that the producers have included the names of the soldiers at the end of the movie as a special tribute.

Filed through Advocates Gautam Jha and Harsh Lata, the PIL has been moved by the Sanyukt Ahir Regiment Morcha to “safeguard the collective honour, historical truth, and regimental dignity” of the 120 soldiers of C Company, 13 Kumaon Regiment, who fought to the death in the battle.

According to the petitioners, the film distorts historical truth by singularly glorifying Major Shaitan Singh, portrayed under the fictionalised name Bhati, thereby erasing the collective identity and contribution of the Ahir soldiers who fought alongside him. The plea contends that this misrepresentation undermines the regimental pride of the predominantly Ahir (Yadav) company.

“That the battle, fought at an altitude of 18,000 feet in the Chushul sector of Ladakh, is acknowledged in the official record of the History Division, Ministry of Defence (1992, Chapter VI, pp. 245–249) as the epitome of collective valour wherein 114 of the 120 soldiers attained martyrdom. The Company, composed predominantly of (113) Ahir (Yadav)-soldiers from Rewari and adjoining regions, defended the Rezang La Pass, the first line of defence of the Chushul airfield, with unparalleled courage and devotion to duty,” the plea states.

It argues that the impugned portrayal violates Section 5B(1)–(2) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, as well as Guideline 2(xvii) of the 1991 Certification Guidelines, which bar films presenting a “distorted view of history.” It further alleges that the depiction contravenes Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which criminalises imputations against deceased persons that wound the sentiments of their relatives.

The petitioners have sought a writ of certiorari to quash the film’s certification, and a writ of mandamus directing the producers to change the film’s title from 120 Bahadur to 120 Vir Ahir, incorporate factual corrections, include the names of all 120 soldiers, and insert an appropriate disclaimer.

While emphasising the wider implications of the issue, the plea said, “That the Petition raises questions of national, historical, and constitutional significance touching upon the dignity of the Armed Forces, the sanctity of public history, and the moral right of communities to truthful remembrance of their collective sacrifice.”

It also notes that on 10 November 2025, Petitioner No. 1 made a detailed representation to the Union Ministries and the CBFC seeking suspension of the certificate, a stay on the film’s release, factual corrections, renaming of the movie to 120 Vir Ahir, and recognition of the Ahir Company’s collective role, but no response was received.

Case Title: Sanyukt Ahir Regiment Morcha & Ors v. Union of India & Ors

Bench: Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela.

Hearing: 19 November