New Delhi, August 1(HS): The Delhi High Court scrutinized the Central government's authority concerning modifications to the film Udaipur Files, which depicts the murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Rajasthan. During the hearings, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma acknowledged difficulties in justifying the government's mandate for cuts under the Cinematograph Act.

The Court expressed skepticism about the government's rights to enforce these changes, particularly under Section 6, which relates to films certified by the censor board. This case originated from petitions by Maulana Arshad Madani, asserting that the film unjustly vilifies Muslims and compromises fair trial rights. Lal was killed in June 2022 after voicing support for BJP leader Nupur Sharma.

Previously, the High Court had halted the film's release pending government review, leading to a Supreme Court appeal that upheld the High Court's decision. Sharma raised concerns that multiple revision petitions might burden the system and argued that the Central Board of Film Certification should oversee revisions. However, the Court stressed the importance of legal adherence and criticized governmental overreach, leading Sharma to concede that the government should reconsider its position on the film.

Later, the Centre notified the Delhi High Court of its decision to withdraw approval for the film's release, originally set for August 8. The Court instructed parties to submit their cases before the government by August 4, aiming for a lawful resolution by August 6. During hearings, the Court questioned the legitimacy of the government's ordered cuts and the appropriateness of their actions under the Cinematograph Act. The Centre's counsel indicated a willingness to revisit the decision, which had previously mandated six cuts to the film.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar