Udaipur Files row: SC asks Centre to take decision immediately; defers hearing to July 21

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday deferred its hearing on the release of the controversial film Udaipur Files to July 21, asking the Centre to take a decision through the appropriate statutory authority by then.

The court also directed the government panel, which is currently hearing objections to the film, to consider the version of the accused in the 2022 murder of Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal , the subject of the movie.

On Monday, the SC had agreed to hear a plea challenging the Delhi high court 's July 10 decision to stay the film’s release. The producers argued it was halted despite censor board clearance.

The high court acted on petitions claiming the trailer could "promote disharmony", referencing the 2022 murder of Udaipur tailor Kanhaiya Lal, which remains under NIA investigation.

‘Udaipur Files’ is based on the 2022 killing of tailor Kanhaiya Lal, which sparked national outrage. Petitioners had argued the film sensationalises the incident, risks fuelling communal tensions, and is poorly timed before upcoming elections.