'Demonizes Muslims': Maulana Madani moves SC against 'Udaipur Files'
What's the story
Maulana Arshad Madani, president of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court against Udaipur Files. He has called the film communal, alleging that it peddles the "wholesome vilification and demonisation of the Muslim community." This comes after the movie was cleared by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's screening committee.
Film criticism
Film based on Kanhaiya Lal's murder
Udaipur Files is based on the gruesome 2022 beheading of Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur by two Muslim men, an incident that sparked nationwide outrage. However, Madani believes the film unfairly generalizes this crime to implicate an entire community as sympathetic to terrorism. He has called for a stay on the film's release, arguing it could worsen communal divides.
Legal proceedings
'Order lacked proper reasoning...': Madani on screening committee's decision
Madani has also raised concerns about the screening committee's decision to clear Udaipur Files. He alleges that the order lacked proper reasoning and did not address his detailed objections. "The committee's report simply records some submissions and suggests six inconsequential changes, without analyzing the broader communal implications," he said in court filings.
Credibility concerns
Madani alleges conflict of interest in screening committee composition
Madani has also alleged a "conflict of interest" in the composition of the screening committee. He argues that since the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had already certified Udaipur Files, sending it to a panel largely comprising CBFC members for reevaluation undermines the credibility of the review process. The Supreme Court is still hearing his plea, while officials have suggested six cuts to make it less controversial.