- विज्ञापन -
New Delhi: The Central government’s committee, which was constituted as per the directions issued by the Delhi High Court on July 10, has recommended six modifications/changes to be incorporated in the film ‘Udaipur Files’ before its release for public or commercial viewing.
‘Udaipur Files’ is based on the 2022 murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Rajasthan. The film was scheduled to be released on July 11. On July 10, the Delhi High Court stayed the release till the Centre decides on pleas seeking a permanent ban over the film’s potential to “promote disharmony” in society.
Credits: PVR
Alterations recommended by SC
The Centre has now recommended certain alterations to the film’s disclaimer and has asked the filmmakers to replace the original one with the revised one. The committee also advised removing credit frames that express gratitude to certain individuals.
A particular AI-generated scene resembling a Saudi Arabia-style execution is to be revised, as per the committee’s recommendation. Additionally, it has recommended that all instances in the film with respect to a character named “Nutan Sharma” are to be removed and replaced with a new name. Specific dialogues attributed to Nutan Sharma, including one with reference to religious texts, are to be deleted.
“Delete Nutan Sharma’s dialogue: ‘Maine toh wohi kaha hai jo unke dharma grantho mein likha hai’, the order released by the Central Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated. Lastly, the Committee has recommended the removal of certain dialogues regarding the Baloch community.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi has continued the stay on the release of the film and scheduled the next hearing for July 24.
Pertinent to mention, the murder carried out in broad daylight in June 2022 by Mohammad Riyaz Attari and Ghaus Mohammad, had sent shockwaves across the country. Among the key petitions is one filed by film producer Amit Johnny, who has challenged the Delhi High Court’s interim order staying the release of the film.
Movie was scheduled to release on July 11
The film was originally scheduled to release on July 11, but was halted by the High Court, citing potential law and order concerns and the sensitivity of the ongoing trial in the Kanhaiya Lal case.
Another significant petition has been filed by Javed, one of the accused in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case, who argues that the film’s release could prejudice the ongoing legal proceedings and influence public perception, thereby affecting a fair trial.
Last hearing
In its last hearing, the Supreme Court had deferred the matter to July 21, noting that the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting was in the process of reviewing the film through an expert committee.
The Bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, observed, “We can wait for the Centre’s view. If the Union says there’s nothing wrong with the movie, then we will see that. If they suggest cuts, then we will consider that too.”
The Court had also emphasised that the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution outweighs the right to freedom of expression under Article 19, a point that sparked debate among free speech advocates.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Supreme Court urged the Centre to expedite its decision, asking the committee to act “immediately, without loss of time,” in view of the urgency expressed by the filmmakers. As the Supreme Court revisits the matter on Monday, the ruling will impact the future of ‘Udaipur Files’.
