Delhi HC declines urgent hearing on PIL against film ‘The Taj Story’
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New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has refused to grant an urgent hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to halt the release of the upcoming film “The Taj Story,” which is scheduled to hit theatres on October 31, 2025.
The petition, filed by advocate Shakeel Abbas, called for a stay on the film’s release and a review of its certification granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). It alleged that the film distorts historical facts surrounding the Taj Mahal and could potentially disrupt communal harmony.
The plea names the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the CBFC, and the film’s producer, director, writer, and actor, Paresh Rawal as respondents. According to the petitioner, the film propagates “misleading and manipulated information” about one of India’s most iconic monuments and advances a partisan political ideology.
“The Taj Story portrays a distorted version of history, aiming to push a specific political narrative,” the petition stated, warning that such content could “inflame religious sentiments and disrupt public order.”
It also cited a growing trend of politically charged films, referring to “The Kashmir Files” and “The Bengal Files” as examples that have allegedly deepened societal divisions.
The film’s trailer, released on October 16, 2025, drew widespread attention and criticism for its controversial interpretation of historical events. Despite the backlash, the CBFC reportedly cleared the trailer without sufficient scrutiny, the plea alleged.
The petitioner urged the court to direct the CBFC to re-examine the film’s certification, mandate a disclaimer clarifying the fictional nature of its narrative, and consider removing objectionable scenes or reclassifying the film with an ‘Adults Only’ rating.
However, the Delhi High Court declined to take up the matter for immediate hearing, meaning “The Taj Story” remains on track for its October 31 release unless further judicial intervention takes place.
With IANS inputs