'Hope CBFC Will Take Note Of Objections When Deciding On Certification': P&H High Court Disposes Of PIL Seeking Ban On Delhi Riots Movie

The Punjab & Haryana High Court on Friday has disposed of a plea seeking a ban on the release of a movie based on the Delhi riots 2020.

The Court took note of the Union Government's submission that the producer of the movie 'Delhi-2020' has not yet applied for the certificate before the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Consequently, a bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumit Goel said, “The petition is pre-mature and therefore, the same, without commenting on the merits, is disposed of with the hope and expectation that the CBFC as and when decides the question of certification, shall be taken into account all the legitimate objections, if made by the petitioner.”

Counsel for the petitioner submitted that certain objectionable scenes in the movie may adversely affect the law and order, especially in the charged atmosphere of the ongoing election campaign qua Delhi Assembly.

Dheeraj Jain senior panel counsel for the Union government submitted a copy of an email from the CBFC stating that the producer of the said film '2020-Delhi' has not yet applied for certification before the Board.

 In the light of the above, the plea was disposed of.

It is pertinent to note that the Delhi High Court reserved a verdict on a batch of petitions against the release of the same movie and its trailer on YouTube.

ASG Chetan Sharma appearing before the Delhi High Court referred to the present case and submitted that "a similar challenge concerning the movie in question and disposed of the plea as being premature."

About The Petition

Faisal Ali stated to be a member if Al Sadiq Sports Welfare Club at Punjab's Malerkotla had filed the PIL before the Punjab & Haryana High Court.

It was stated in the plea that the movie 'Delhi 2020' is replete with hurtful, harmful theme, explicit visuals and dialogues which are defamatory to the sentiments of the Muslim Community which may give rise to communal tension in Punjab and Haryana.

The plea further added that the release of the movie dramatise the events of riots and further victimise the affected communities.

Mohd. Jameel, Advocate, for the petitioner

Mr. Dheeraj Jain, Senior Panel Counsel with Ms. Neha Dalal, Advocate, for respondents no.1 and 2-UOI 

Title: Faisal Ali v. UOI & Ors

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (PH) 44

Click here to read/download the order