BREAKING: Udaipur Files will release tomorrow, Delhi HC clears deck

The Delhi High Court on Thursday cleared the decks for the release of Udaipur Files, rejecting a plea by an accused in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case seeking a stay on the film. The movie, which is based on the 2022 Udaipur killing, is now set to release as scheduled on Friday, August 8.

The order came in response to a plea filed by Mohd. Javed, an accused in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case, who argued that the film’s content, allegedly mirroring the chargesheet, would severely prejudice his right to a fair trial.

The Bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyay and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela held that the petitioner had failed to establish a prima facie case to justify an interim restraint.

“We are of the opinion that the petitioner has not been able to establish a prima facie case in his favour,” the Court while pronouncing the order.

On the question of balance of convenience, the Court observed that no harm to the petitioner’s right to a fair trial is likely to result from the film’s release. “The trial will be conducted by a professional judge uninfluenced by what is being depicted in the film,” the Court noted.

Rejecting the interim prayer, the Court also took note of the significant investment made by the producer and the scheduled nationwide release of the film. “The producer has already invested a huge amount in producing the film,” the Bench recorded, while issuing notice in the main writ petition filed by Javed.

The movie, based on the 2022 murder of Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal, has already undergone 55 cuts, six additional edits, and carries a detailed disclaimer.

Interestingly, the Central government on August 6, had cleared Udaipur Files for August 8 release after re-examination. According to reports, the Ministry of I&B reviewed the film as per the Court’s instructions and subsequently dismissed the objections that had earlier stalled its release.

On August 1, the Delhi High Court had 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. Bhatia had 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 had submitted. The Court had said it would ensure that the revision petition is decided before that date.

In the pre- lunch session, the Court had 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.

Notably, on July 30, the accused Mohammed Javed, who is facing trial in the 2022 Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal’s murder case has sought a temporary halt on the release of Udaipur Files, arguing that the film, based on the chargesheet, would irreparably prejudice the ongoing criminal trial.“All we’re seeking is a temporary postponement of the film’s release, non-publication until the trial concludes and judgment is delivered,” Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy had submitted on Javed’s behalf. The ASG had submitted that the film underwent a thorough two-stage review process. Initially, the CBFC suggested 55 cuts targeting “purported generic overtones.” Following this, an expert advisory panel, comprising three individuals unconnected to the film, recommended an additional six cuts and a fortified disclaimer.

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. Union of India

Pronouncement Date: August 7, 2025

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

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