Jamiat’s Plea to Halt “Udaipur Files”: Deoband Portrayal Sparks Fears of Communal Strife
The Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind has moved to legally challenge the upcoming film “Udaipur Files,” alleging it promotes communal disharmony and presents a distorted narrative of the 2022 Kanhaiya Lal murder. The organisation contends the movie’s portrayal of Deoband is inflammatory and violates India’s secular principles.
The Jamiat’s petition, filed on July 8, 2025, argues that the film’s content is likely to incite violence and deepen existing communal tensions. They claim the movie deliberately misrepresents facts to fuel prejudice against a specific community.
Concerns are growing that the film’s release could trigger widespread unrest, mirroring similar incidents following the release of controversial films in the past. The Jamiat’s action underscores the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the prevention of communal violence in India.
This legal challenge highlights the crucial role of responsible filmmaking and the potential consequences of disseminating biased or inflammatory content. The outcome will set a significant precedent for future films dealing with sensitive communal issues. The case will be closely watched by civil society groups and legal experts alike, especially given the rising concerns about hate speech and its impact on social harmony.
