Udaipur Files film cleared after 6 more cuts & disclaimer: Gaurav Bhatia Tells Delhi HC
Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia, appearing for the producers of the film Udaipur Files, informed the Delhi High Court on Monday 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.
Bhatia informed the Bench during the hearing of petitions challenging the Centre’s clearance of the film, filed by Mohammed Javed, one of the accused in the Udaipur beheading case, and Maulana Arshad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind.
The Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela took up the matter.
The Court was informed by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma, appearing for the CBFC, that the re-certification process was in motion pursuant to the Centre’s order dated July 21 under Section 6 of the Cinematograph Act.
When asked by the Bench whether the film had been re-certified, Bhatia clarified that while the cuts and disclaimer were in place, the updated certificate was still pending.
Noting that exhibition of the film cannot proceed without re-certification, CJ Upadhyay remarked that there was no urgency in the matter and adjourned the hearing to Wednesday, July 30.
“This could have been done in two minutes, but it’s only because everybody is so overwhelmed. Please refrain. That’s my request to all,” the Chief Justice remarked.
Case Titles: Mohammed Javed v. UOI and Maulana Arshad Madani v. UOI & Ors.
Hearing Date: July 28, 2025
Bench: Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela