Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Plea on Lifting Stay Against ‘Udaipur Files’ Release

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a petition challenging the Delhi High Court’s interim order staying the release of the film Udaipur Files. The plea was filed by the film’s producer, who argued that the stay violates his fundamental rights, particularly after the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had already cleared the movie for public viewing.

Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia, appearing for the petitioner, mentioned the matter before the apex court and urged for urgent relief. He submitted that the High Court’s last-minute order, passed just a day before the film’s scheduled release, was unjustified and arbitrary, especially since the film had received all necessary regulatory clearances.

The Delhi High Court had issued the stay order citing concerns raised in a separate petition, though specific reasons have not yet been detailed publicly. The producer contends that the delay in release, despite CBFC approval, constitutes a violation of Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression.