Udaipur Files: Supreme Court to Hear Plea on Film Release
The controversy surrounding the film "Udaipur Files" has sparked a debate about freedom of speech and the limits of artistic expression. The Supreme Court's decision will have significant implications for the film industry and the freedom of expression in India. The case highlights the complexities of balancing creative freedom with social responsibility and the need for a nuanced approach to regulating content that may be perceived as sensitive or controversial.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea from the producers of the film "Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder" to lift a stay on its release, which was imposed by the Delhi High Court due to concerns that the film may vilify a community. The film is based on the 2022 beheading of Kanhaiyalal and has been cleared by the censor board with cuts.
The producers argue that the film's release cannot be stalled as it has been cleared by the censor board and that the High Court's order is an overreach of the "reasonable restrictions" on free speech specified under Article 19(2) of the Constitution. They claim that the film is a work of fiction based on real events and does not promote hatred or violence against any community. The Supreme Court has assured the producers that it will hear their plea within a day or two.
Maulana Arshad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, has filed a petition with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting seeking a halt to the release of the film, citing concerns that it promotes division within society and could tarnish India's image globally. The petition also mentions the past conduct of the film's producer, Amit Jani, and the potential for the film to incite violence. The Ministry is expected to hold a hearing on the appeal in the coming days.
Meanwhile, an old video from Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu, showing a protest against the Waqf Act, has gone viral amidst the controversy surrounding the movie "Udaipur Files". However, fact-checking revealed that the video is unrelated to the current controversy and was actually a protest against the Waqf Act, not the movie. The video was verified through Google reverse image search, Instagram, and Google Maps Street View, confirming that it is an old video.
The Supreme Court's decision on the plea will be crucial in determining the fate of the film's release. The producers are hopeful that the court will lift the stay and allow the film to be released, while Maulana Arshad Madani and others are opposing the release, citing concerns about the film's potential impact on society.