New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday heard multiple petitions related to the controversial film Udaipur Files, which is based on the 2022 murder of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in Rajasthan.

A bench led by Justice Surya Kant directed all parties to approach the Delhi High Court to resolve disputes related to the film's certification, content, and potential impact on the ongoing trial.

According to report by Liva Law, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani, argued that the movie was "hate speech masquerading as free speech", and urged the Court to stay its release. He said, "This movie spews venom. Every frame targets a community."

However, Justice Kant pushed back, stating that courts cannot arbitrarily stay movies post-certification and added, "In the history of this Court, no film has been banned after release."

Senior Advocate Gaurav Bhatia, representing the film’s producer (Jani Firefox Media Pvt Ltd), accused the petitioners of forum shopping and said the petitioners failed to make a case. “They can’t ask this Court to block a film when they have a remedy before the High Court,” Bhatia said.

Also read: Delhi HC asks 'Udaipur Files' makers to screen film for petitioners opposing its release

When objections were raised about the Central Government’s expert panel—formed to review the film post-certification—Sibal questioned its neutrality, alleging it included BJP-linked members and original CBFC certifiers.

Justice Kant took a lighter tone at one point, telling Bhatia, “We don’t think you’re in losses due to a 12-day delay... more publicity sometimes helps.”

The Court declined to stay the film’s release for now but said a brief, reasoned order would follow. Both sides were told to pursue their grievances before the Delhi High Court, with the matter expected to be listed Monday.

Udaipur Files is a film depicting the 2022 killing of Kanhaiya Lal, who was beheaded by two men for allegedly sharing a post supporting BJP leader Nupur Sharma. The National Investigation Agency is handling the case under UAPA and IPC. The film had cleared 55 CBFC edits, with an additional 6 changes imposed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting after revision.