LawLoveLegal

In a key development for India's cinematic and legal landscape, the Central Government has withdrawn its July 21 directive recommending six cuts in the controversial film Udaipur Files . The move came during the hearing of two petitions before the Delhi High Court, which questioned the Centre's authority to override or direct the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in matters of certification and content modification.

Background of the Controversy The Supreme Court of India has extended interim protection from arrest to petitioner Raushan Sinha , who is facing criminal proceedings stemming from a social media post he made in reference to a controversial statement by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi . The matter is rooted in remarks Gandhi made in the Lok Sabha on July 1, 2024 , where he reportedly said: “Those who call themselves Hindus are 24 hours engaged in violence, hatred, and lies.” Following this speech, Raushan Sinha shared a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account featuring an image of Rahul Gandhi and a caption stating: “Those who are Hindus are violent - Rahul Gandhi.” This post led to an FIR (No. 1619/2025) registered on July 2, 2024 , at the Cyber Crime Police Station, Hyderabad , under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 , specifically Sections 352, 353(2), 353(1)(c), and 336(4). Supreme Court’s Orders and Protection from Arrest On July 24, 2025 , a benc...

Supreme Court Asserts CBFC Authority Over Fringe Threats In a significant oral observation, the Supreme Court of India on Tuesday underscored the constitutional importance of free expression and warned against extra-judicial censorship. The Court emphasized that any film duly certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) must be permitted to be released, regardless of opposition from vigilante groups or political sentiments. This came during the hearing of a petition concerning the Kamal Haasan-starrer ‘Thug Life’ , which faces alleged threats and an extra-judicial ban in Karnataka following controversial remarks attributed to the actor. Bench Sends Clear Message: Mob Rule Cannot Undermine the Law A bench comprising Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan stated unambiguously that “mobs and vigilantes cannot dictate what gets released in theatres.” The Court further remarked that it is up to individuals to choose whether they want to watch a movie—but once a film h...

Nepal's Controversial Social Media Bill: A Step Towards Regulation or Censorship? The Nepalese government has introduced the "Social Media Bill" , aiming to regulate digital platforms , enforce user accountability , and curb misinformation . However, critics argue that the bill threatens freedom of speech and privacy , raising concerns about government overreach . Despite strong opposition from political leaders, social media users, and free speech advocates , Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung , tabled the bill in the National Assembly on Sunday, February 2025 . The bill proposes strict licensing rules, content restrictions, and hefty penalties for violating regulations. What Does the Social Media Bill Propose? 🔹 Mandatory Licensing for Social Media Platforms Companies operating social media platforms in Nepal must obtain a two-year license . The license must be renewed periodically , giving the government control over...

Delhi High Court Reserves Order on Pleas Against Movie Based on 2020 Delhi Riots Reserves Judgment After Detailed Hearing The Delhi High Court on Friday reserved its judgment on three petitions challenging the release of a film reportedly based on the 2020 northeast Delhi riots. The bench, comprising Justice Sachin Datta, thoroughly examined arguments from all involved parties, addressing concerns about the film's potential influence on ongoing legal proceedings and the sensitive nature of the subject matter. Petitioners and Their Concerns The first petition was filed by Sharjeel Imam, an accused in the riots case. The second petition was submitted by five individuals, and the third by Umang, an independent candidate contesting the upcoming Delhi Legislative Assembly elections. The primary concern among petitioners was the portrayal of events in the film and its potential impact on legal and political affairs. Filmmakers' Response and Legal Stand Senior Advocate Jayant Meh...