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Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
SC to hear plea seeking lifting of stay on ‘Udaipur Files' release—Details inside
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) The Supreme Court of India has reportedly agreed to hear a plea challenging the Delhi High Court's interim stay on the release of the controversial film 'Udaipur Files.' The film is based on the 2022 murder of Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur, Rajasthan. According to PTI, the plea was mentioned by Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia on behalf of the film's producer, who argued that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has already cleared the film for public viewing and that preventing its release violates the filmmaker's fundamental rights. The Delhi High Court had stayed the release, citing public order concerns. The Delhi High Court, on July 10, ordered a stay on the film's release just a day before its scheduled opening following petitions by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind and journalist Prashant Tandon. The court ruled that the stay would remain in force until the Central Government decides on a revision application challenging the CBFC's decision to certify the film. Censor Board makes 150 cuts to 'The Udaipur Files', film based on Kanhaiya Lal murder case A Division Bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal stated that the release of the film must be put on hold while the petitioners pursue legal remedies under the Cinematograph Act, 1952. Concerns over communal harmony and electoral timing Reportedly, the petitioners argue that 'Udaipur Files,' which portrays the brutal daylight killing of tailor Kanhaiya Lal allegedly for supporting Nupur Sharma, may start communal tensions and disturb public order. The petitioners also say that this is highlighted, especially given the film's release timing just ahead of state elections. While refraining from commenting on the film's content, the Delhi High Court noted the importance of following due legal procedure and avoiding irreparable harm before the matter is fully adjudicated. About 'Udaipur Files' Inspired by the real-life murder of Kanhaiya Lal Sahu, 'Udaipur Files' is directed by Bharat S Shrinate and stars Vijay Raaz, Rajneesh Duggal, Preeti Jhangiani, Kamlesh Sawant, and Kanchi Singh in pivotal roles.
News18
5 days ago
- Politics
- News18
No Dedicated NIA Judge Or Hearing For 6 Months: Justice Elusive For Udaipur Tailor Kanhaiya Lal
Despite the severity and national attention surrounding the murder, reportedly only six of 166 witnesses have been examined so far, though the victim's son pegs the number at 14-15 More than three years after the gruesome beheading of Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal shocked India, the trial in the case remains caught in the slow churn of India's judicial machinery. Despite the severity and national attention surrounding the murder, reportedly only six of 166 witnesses have been examined so far, though the victim's son Yash claims the number stands at 14-15. As controversy over the movie The Udaipur Files bring back public attention to the 2022 case, News18 looks back at the incident and why justice is moving at a snail's pace. A CRIME THAT SHOOK THE NATION It was June 28, 2022, when Kanhaiya Lal Teli was murdered in broad daylight in his tiny shop in a serpentine lane in Old Udaipur by Riyaz Attari and Ghaus Mohammad—both of whose links have been established with Pakistan. The attackers filmed the brutal act and streamed it online, claiming it was retaliation for a social media post where Kanhaiya Lal expressed his support for now-suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma, whose derogatory remarks on Prophet Muhammad had sparked global controversy. The chilling nature of the attack and its ideological motivation triggered massive outrage and communal tensions across India. Within days, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the probe, treating it as a terrorist attack. THE SLOW LEGAL JOURNEY STARTS In the months following the murder, the NIA arrested not only the two main assailants but also nine others believed to be part of a radical Islamist network that aided or influenced them. A chargesheet running over 1,000 pages was filed in January 2023, invoking stringent sections under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and IPC 302 (murder). Despite the NIA's swift investigation, the case has languished in court. The proceedings in the Special NIA Court in Jaipur in the matter remain intermittent. WHY THE DELAY? A combination of factors is believed to have contributed to the slow pace of the trial. Complexity of the Case: With 11 accused, a mountain of evidence, including digital videos and forensic data, and 166 witnesses, the proceedings were destined to be lengthy from the very beginning. Judicial Backlog: Like many Indian courts, the special NIA court too grapples with a shortage of judges, frequent adjournments, and scheduling delays. Procedural Interruptions: A judge's transfer led to a six-month halt in this particular hearing, further stalling momentum. Political and Social Sensitivity: Given the communal undertones of the case, authorities too are treading carefully to prevent any missteps while going with their versions to court to avoid public unrest. Recently, former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led state government to criticise the delay, pointing out that only six witnesses have deposed since the case began. 'This is not justice. It's an insult to the victim and his family," Gehlot said. The murder took place during Gehlots' rule. WHEN JUSTICE LOOKS DISTANT It has been three years since Kanhaiya Lal's son, Yash Sahu, has been walking barefoot as a mark of protest. 'I won't wear footwear till my father gets justice," he tells News18. A state minister who visited their house in Udaipur brought footwear for him but failed to make him wear it. 'On one hand, you have a murder where you have the perpetrators committing the crime, which is recorded. On the other, you have the CBI court handling additional cases of NIA which is why the delay. Some of my depositions are also due. There are over 150 witnesses and those who are examined so far are barely 14-15. If this pace continues, we don't think we will ever get justice," Yash said. WHAT LIES AHEAD? The trial continues in the Special NIA Court, with hearings set to resume after the court's summer break. However, unless procedural efficiency improves, the path to justice for Kanhaiya Lal's family remains painfully uncertain. 'Look, there have been 166 witnesses from the prosecution side. Those examined barely touched double digit. One of the biggest issues we faced and in future too we will face is repeated demand for adjournments by advocates of defendants. Another issue that stalled the case so far was no dedicated NIA judge," Vikramaditya Ujjwal, personal advocate of the complainant, told News18. This July, the Rajasthan High Court administration appointed Pravendra Pal Singh as the judge of special NIA court that is handling the case. Now, with public focus shifting to the film The Udaipur Files based on the murder, bodies like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad too are trying to get involved. After Delhi High Court issued a stay on the movie, VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal questioned the contrast of pace between the actual case where it is stretching for three years and counting and the case where the stay was ordered within weeks. For now, the family of Kanhaiya Lal Teli hopes the row over the movie brings back the forgotten case of their father in public discourse. But, will it help them legally? Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : news18 specials Udaipur Killing view comments Location : Udaipur, India, India First Published: July 12, 2025, 12:33 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. 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Time of India
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Censor Board makes 150 cuts to ‘The Udaipur Files', film based on Kanhaiya Lal murder case
/ Jul 10, 2025, 12:12AM IST The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has reportedly ordered 150 cuts in the upcoming film 'The Udaipur Files', which is based on the 2022 brutal murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Rajasthan. Directed by Anupam Kher's assistant director Tarun Wadhwa, the film had sought certification but received heavy modifications by the CBFC. According to reports, the cuts include removal of scenes, dialogues, and references deemed sensitive or inflammatory. The film deals with the killing that occurred in Udaipur after Lal allegedly supported suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. The murder had triggered national outrage, and the film was initially seen as a politically loaded project..
