The Delhi High Court has reserved its verdict on a series of petitions seeking to halt the release of the film 2020 Dehli, which is reportedly based on the 2020 northeast Delhi riots. The petitions were filed by student activist Sharjeel Imam and others, citing concerns over the film’s portrayal of the riots.
Justice Sachin Datta, who presided over the hearing, stated that the court would examine the petitions and deliver an appropriate ruling, only after the film receives a certification from Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The hearing involved arguments from legal representatives of the petitioners, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the filmmakers, the Centre, and the Election Commission of India (ECI). The film’s producers informed the court that they had applied for CBFC certification and assured that the movie would not be publicly screened until certification was granted. Initially, 2020 Delhi was slated for release on February 2, just days before the Delhi Assembly elections.
Sharjeel Imam, who is currently facing prosecution in connection with the riots, argued that the film’s trailers and promotional materials insinuate a larger conspiracy behind the violence, potentially prejudicing his ongoing legal proceedings. He urged the court to delay the movie’s release, fearing it could influence public perception and impact his trial and bail applications.
Other than Imam, five other individuals also filed a petition requesting a postponement, arguing that the film could affect legal cases still pending against them. Additionally, Umang, an independent candidate contesting the Delhi Assembly elections, filed a separate petition seeking to stay the release of the movie until the elections concluded, citing concerns over its possible impact on voters.
The film’s producers, however, maintained that 2020 Delhi is a dramatized and fictionalized account rather than a factual recreation of the riots. They assured the court that a disclaimer would be included at the beginning of the film and its trailers to clarify this distinction. The court took note of these assurances, suggesting that such disclaimers could address concerns over potential misrepresentation.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission is separately reviewing whether the movie could influence electoral narratives, with the court deeming it appropriate for the commission to continue its assessment.
2020 Delhi is produced under the banners of Midas Touch Films, Countryboy Films, and Visual Birds Studio. Notably, one of the film’s producers is Amit Malviya, who also serves as the national in-charge of the Information & Technology department for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
This story was originally published in theobserverpost.com. Read the full story here.
