'Udaipur Files' yet to be re-certified despite edits, Delhi HC told

The Delhi High Court was informed on Monday that while six cuts and a disclaimer have been made to the controversial film ‘Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder’, the re-certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) was still pending. The matter has now been listed for further hearing on July 30.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela was hearing petitions filed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani and one of the accused in the murder case, Mohammad Javed. Both petitioners have opposed the film’s release, alleging it to be communally sensitive and prejudicial.

The High Court was apprised about the current status of the film after the Supreme Court on July 25 directed the parties to approach the Delhi HC to challenge the Centre’s revisional order allowing the film’s exhibition with specific alterations. The apex court had urged the High Court to take up the matter for an early preliminary hearing.

When senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy, appearing for the accused, referred to the SC’s earlier directions, the Bench asked whether the re-certification process had been completed following the Centre’s approval. Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the CBFC, confirmed that the film had been approved with six cuts, but the formal certificate was awaited.

The Bench, however, made it clear that the film cannot be exhibited until the CBFC issues the revised certificate. “Don’t be overwhelmed. Argue it calmly. If the certification is still pending, there’s no urgency. We will hear it on Wednesday,” the Bench said orally, indicating no immediate relief.

On July 10, the High Court had stayed the film’s release, allowing petitioners to challenge the CBFC certification. The Centre had subsequently ordered six specific changes, including a revised disclaimer, replacement of character names, edited dialogues and removal of scenes likely to provoke communal sentiments.