Appeal filed by Maulana Arshad Madani before the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting following Delhi High Court directives
NEW DELHI — ‘Udaipur Files’ movie on the murder of Udaipur-based tailor Kanhaiya Lal in June 2022, promotes division within society and its promotion will tarnish India’s image globally, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind chief Maulana Arshad Madani has said.
The chief asserted the stance in a petition submitted to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Monday. The petition to the ministry followed the Delhi High Court directive on the Jamiat plea seeking to halt the screening of the film and reconsideration of the certificate issued by the Censor Board. It is expected that the ministry may hold a hearing on this application in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the film’s producer has challenged the high court’s decision in the Supreme Court.
Maulana Madani also filed a caveat in the Supreme Court on Sunday night. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, is representing the Jamiat in the Supreme Court.
The petition submitted to the ministry further states that Hindus and Muslims have lived together peacefully in the country for centuries, and therefore, the screening of such films could pose a serious threat to communal harmony. It is emphasised that the entire film is based on hatred, and its exhibition could disturb the peace and harmony of the nation.
The Union Government has also been reminded that in the past, India faced international embarrassment and condemnation due to the remarks made by BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma. At that time, the Government of India had issued a diplomatic statement affirming that India respects all religions and communities.
Maulana Madani said the government has also been informed that the past and present conduct of the filmmaker, Amit Jani, is filled with instances of incitement and disruptive behaviour.
The petition further states that despite the removal of 55 scenes, the film still appears largely unchanged. It is argued that the promotion of this film could incite violence in the country. The petition emphasises that this film is not in the national interest, and therefore, the certificate granted for its screening should be revoked.
As per the Delhi High Court’s directive, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting must hear Maulana Arshad Madani’s appeal and deliver a decision within one week. In the meantime, the ban on the film’s release will remain in effect.
