New Delhi/Chennai, 9 July 2025:
Acting on the instructions of Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind and after consultation with Darul Uloom Deoband rector Maulana Abul Qassim Noumani, the Tamil Nadu unit of the organization has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Madras High Court against the proposed release of the film Udaipur Files.
The petition has been filed by Haji Hasan Ahmed, General Secretary of Jamiat Ulama Tamil Nadu, and bears the serial number 105184/2025.
In his writ petition, Mr. Hasan Ahmed has requested the Hon’ble Court to issue a writ of mandamus directing the concerned authorities — including the Principal Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu; the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC); and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting — to suspend the film’s release and to ensure a re-examination and revision of its content in accordance with the law.
The petitioner has raised grave concerns regarding the film’s potential to disrupt communal harmony. As per the trailer and media reports, the movie appears to sensationalize a sensitive communal incident, promote hate speech, and portray the Muslim community in a deeply derogatory and inflammatory manner.
Particularly alarming, according to the affidavit, is the depiction of beheading as the only punishment for blasphemy — a narrative that, the petitioner argues, dangerously stereotypes Muslims and incites hostility.
Of particular concern is the trailer’s reference to Deoband, often associated with Darul Uloom Deoband, India’s largest and most respected Islamic seminary.
The use of the slogan “Sar Tan Se Juda” in direct association with Deoband, along with the portrayal of a person resembling the institution’s rector, is seen as a deliberate attempt to malign not only the seminary but also the wider Muslim community.
Ahmed contends this represents a highly irresponsible and dangerous personal attack on a revered institution.
Further, the film reportedly includes a portrayal of the former BJP spokesperson making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) — the very same remarks that had earlier triggered widespread protests and led to her expulsion from the party.
Another disturbing scene allegedly depicts a Muslim scholar engaged in homosexual activity, which the petitioner asserts is an intentional insult designed to discredit Islamic scholars and the faith at large.
Mr. Ahmed argues that while Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, it is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) to safeguard public order, decency, and morality.
He submits that the film grossly violates these constitutional limits and that the CBFC has failed to uphold the statutory duties laid out under the Cinematograph Act and its certification guidelines.
Despite submitting a representation on July 4, 2025, to the authorities requesting urgent intervention, no action has been taken. Given the scheduled release on July 11, 2025, the petitioner has sought an urgent interim injunction to restrain the producers and distributors.
Jani Firefox Media Private Limited and Reliance Entertainment Studios — from screening, distributing, or airing the film via cinemas, OTT platforms, or social media until the matter is legally scrutinized and the objectionable content is addressed.The case is expected to be taken up for urgent hearing by the Madras High Court.
 in the Madras High Court against the proposed release of the film Udaipur Files){kind=link}