– Mohd.Naushad Khan
The Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind has filed petitions in the Delhi, Maharashtra, and Gujarat High Courts seeking a complete ban on the film Udaipur Files. The group says the film spreads hate, threatens communal harmony, and aims to disturb national peace.
The religious body claims the film’s trailer contains offensive content against Islam and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It also misrepresents Deoband and its scholars in a harmful way.
Maulana Arshad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, filed the petition under Article 226 of the Constitution. The case lists the Central Government, the Censor Board, Johnny Fire Fox Media Pvt. Ltd., and X Corps as respondents. The petition, drafted by Supreme Court advocate Fuzail Ayyubi, is filed under Diary No. E-4365978/2025.
The trailer, which is 2 minutes and 53 seconds long, repeats the controversial remarks made earlier by Nupur Sharma. These remarks had previously led to serious communal unrest and embarrassed India globally. Including them again raises fresh concerns over hate speech in the name of creative freedom.
Maulana Madani said the film clearly promotes anti-Muslim hatred. He said it abuses free speech to defame a community, show Deoband as extremist, and insult Islamic scholars.
He questioned the Censor Board’s decision to allow such a film. Under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and 1991 guidelines, films that provoke communal tension or hurt religious feelings should not be cleared.
He called the film a “planned conspiracy” to spread hatred before its release on July 11, 2025. He said the Censor Board’s approval makes it part of this “criminal conspiracy.”
The petition also mentions that the film refers to sensitive cases like the Gyanvapi Mosque dispute, which is still under judicial review. Jamiat said these references violate Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution, which ensure equality, non-discrimination, and dignity.
Maulana Madani said this film, like others in recent years, is part of a growing pattern of attacking minorities using false nationalism and fake creative freedom. He warned that it could spark serious communal unrest.
He reminded that India is a secular democracy where all are free to follow their religion. He said free expression must not be used to hurt religious feelings.
He assured that Jamiat will keep fighting legally to defend the rights of Indian Muslims and to hold accountable those spreading hate through films and media.
