Dhurandhar Row: Delhi HC Asks CBFC to Review Concerns of Major Mohit Sharma’s Parents

The Delhi High Court on Monday asked the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to examine the concerns raised by the parents of late Major Mohit Sharma, who have sought a stay on the release of the Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar.

The Bench of Justice Sachin Datta directed the CBFC to consider the family's objections during the certification process before taking a final decision.

Appearing for the Board, Advocate Ashish Dixit informed the Court that certification is still pending and clarified that the film is fictional.

The Court also asked the CBFC to assess whether the matter should be referred to the Indian Army’s expert committee.

The movie is directed by Aditya Dhar and is scheduled for release on December 5, 2025.

Major Sharma lost his life during a counter-terrorism operation in Kupwara, Kashmir, in 2009.

According to the plea, the film, based on its trailer, promotional material, and public interviews, is widely being perceived as portraying the life, military service, and martyrdom of Major Sharma. The family states that despite this, the filmmakers did not seek their permission or obtain the required clearance from the Indian Army before proceeding.

The plea argues that this unauthorised portrayal infringes upon the right to privacy, dignity, and reputation of both the martyr and his family under Article 21 of the Constitution. It also states that the posthumous personality rights of the late officer continue to exist in law and cannot be used without consent. The family has stated that the legacy of a decorated soldier “cannot be commercially exploited or fictionalised without the informed consent of his immediate family or compliance with constitutional and legal obligations relating to dignity, privacy, and reputation.”

The plea goes on to raise security concerns, noting that some of Major Sharma’s missions involved classified undercover intelligence work. According to the family, even a loosely inspired cinematic version of those operations could risk revealing sensitive methods or patterns linked to national security. It has further raised apprehension that releasing the film without consultation or oversight could enable adversaries to use the narrative for propaganda or retaliation. It adds that any misrepresentation or sensational portrayal in Dhurandhar may increase the threat perception for the parents, who currently reside in an unprotected civilian neighbourhood.

Case Title: Sushila Sharma & Anr v. Union of India & Ors

Bench: Justice Sachin Datta

Hearing Date: 1 December 2025