NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court on Thursday declined to stay the release of the film “Udaipur Files,” just a day ahead of its delayed premiere. A bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela dismissed a plea seeking to halt the movie’s release, stating that the petitioner had failed to present a prima facie case warranting such an order.“The producer has invested their life savings in the film, and preventing its release would disrupt the balance of convenience. Since the film has already been certified by the Censor Board and its exhibition is unlikely to affect any ongoing trial, we are unable to grant a stay,” the bench observed, as quoted by PTI.This came a day after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting dismissed all revision petitions challenging the movie’s certification. “Udaipur Files” is based on the June 2022 murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur, Rajasthan.During the hearing, senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy, appearing for petitioner Mohd Javed—an accused in the Kanhaiya Lal murder case—argued that releasing Udaipur Files would compromise his right to a fair trial. “The right to a fair trial is paramount. Witnesses are yet to be examined, and the film’s release would prejudice the proceedings,” Guruswamy submitted. “The dialogues have been lifted directly from the chargesheet. The title itself refers to the Kanhaiya Lal murder. All of this will influence the trial.” Opposing the plea, the government counsel contended that the film had been lawfully cleared for release, stating that the authorities had “applied their mind” while granting certification.
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