New Delhi, July 9 (HS): The Supreme Court has declined to urgently consider a petition from an accused in the 2022 Udaipur tailor murder case, who seeks to halt the release of the film ‘Udaipur Files Kanhaiyalal Tailor Murder,’ scheduled for July 11.

The petitioner argues that the film is based on a trial still pending in a Special NIA Court, claiming its portrayal as a “true story” infringes on the presumption of innocence and constitutes a media trial, prejudicing the ongoing judicial process. The petition, represented by Advocate Pyoli, highlights the potential infringement on the petitioner’s right to a fair trial, asserting that the film depicts only the prosecution’s perspective. Despite the urgency regarding the film’s imminent release, Justice Dhulia advised seeking recourse through the appropriate court.

The petition claims the film’s release could damage the integrity of the trial, creating undue public bias against the accused and violating Section 5B(1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952. It also expresses concerns over possible communal tensions arising from the film's content.

The petition notes a prior title change from ‘Gyanvapi Files’ to ‘Udaipur Files’ as a marketing strategy to exploit religious sentiments. The petitioner has approached the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Central Board of Film Certification for intervention but has received no response. The petition requests the Supreme Court to order the suspension of the film’s release until the conclusion of the criminal trial to protect justice.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar