A Mumbai-based Muslim organisation has filed a public interest petition in the Delhi High Court to stop the distribution and release of the movie 'Udaipur Files - Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder' which is based on the murder of a 40-year-old man in Rajasthan on June 28, 2022, for allegedly commenting on Prophet Muhammad on social media. A promotional video of the film was released on Monday.
The petition was filed on July 7 by Shujaat Ali Qadri, secretary of Raza Academy, Delhi, and a member of the Muslim Students Organisation, saying that the film could cause a law and order problem if released. The petition sought an urgent hearing as the film is scheduled to be released shortly.
The film, which has been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification, is scheduled for release on July 11, according to the petition. The film's producer, Amit Jani of Jani Firefox, and the director, Bharat Shrinate, did not respond to calls and messages on the company's contact numbers and social media accounts.
Raza Academy's chief, Muhammad Saeed Noori, stated that the movie's trailer contains objectionable content targeting the Prophet of Islam and his wives, which could disrupt the country's peace and order. The film allegedly defames an entire religious community, promoting hatred and posing a serious threat to mutual respect and social harmony among citizens, said Noori.
Kanhaiya Lal Teli was alleged to have endorsed on his social media pages a comment on Prophet Muhammad made by BJP spokesperson, Nupur Sharma, on television. Two men murdered Teli in his shop as their accomplices shot a video of the killing. Police arrested four accused, two of whom were released on bail. Other accused named in the FIR have been declared absconding.
The petition says that the film can inflame Hindus and hurt Muslims. The petition claimed that the film violates Article 19 (1) and (2) of the Constitution and could incite communal tension. The petitioners added that it is the government's responsibility to take proactive measures to prevent hate-driven crime. The petition has raised questions about the CBFC's violation of the Cinematograph Act by certifying the film for release. Another prayer urged the CBFC to reexamine the film.
The petitioner prayed for measures by the Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology to block the film from being broadcast to the public. Freedom of speech comes with reasonable restrictions, the petition said, quoting earlier judgments from the country's courts.
