"Undoubtedly strengthened Constitution": Jamiat-Ulama-i-Hind welcomes stay on Udaipur Files movie

New Delhi [India], July 10 (ANI): Maulana Arshad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, on Thursday, welcomed the Delhi High Court's decision to stay the screening of a Udaipur Files movie, expressing satisfaction with the outcome.
According to an official release, Madani said, "We were awaiting a final verdict, but the outcome after the day-long hearing clearly indicates that, even after the removal of objectionable scenes, the film still contains content that can spread the poison of hatred in our society."
"The stay on the screening of the film and other related court orders have undoubtedly strengthened the supremacy of the Constitution. This also conveys a clear message that in the name of art and freedom of expression, one cannot be allowed to cross constitutional and moral boundaries," it added.
The release claimed that in recent years, some other objectionable films have also been made, but they were not as vile as this one.
"In this film, under the guise of depicting a murder incident, an entire community has been put in the dock as if they are criminals. That is why we decided to take the matter to court. We are glad that our efforts have been successful, and we are confident that the final verdict, God willing, will also be in our favour. This decision is not just a stay on the film; it is a check on the intentions and agenda of communal elements," the release added.
The Delhi High Court on Thursday ordered a stay on the release of the film "Udaipur Files: Kanhaiya Lal Tailor Murder", which was scheduled to hit theatres on July 11.
The stay will remain in effect until the Central Government decides on the revision application filed by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind against the certification granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal passed the interim order while hearing two petitions, one by Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind and another by journalist Prashant Tandon, challenging the CBFC's decision to grant certification to the film.
The petitioners argued that the film's release could disturb communal harmony and pose a serious threat to public order, given the sensitive nature of the subject. (ANI)