NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to urgently hear a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a stay on the release of the upcoming film The Taj Story and the cancellation of its certificate issued by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The division bench observed that there was no immediate necessity for an urgent hearing, and therefore declined to list the plea for early consideration.
PIL challenges film’s certification and release
The petition, filed by advocate Shakeel Abbas, urged the court to halt the film’s release and revoke its CBFC clearance. The plea alleges that the movie distorts historical facts and has the potential to disrupt communal harmony.
According to Abbas, The Taj Story revives a fringe theory suggesting that the Taj Mahal was originally a Hindu temple, a claim long dismissed by mainstream historians and archaeologists. The petitioner has argued that the film promotes misinformation and politically motivated narratives, which could mislead the public.
The plea names the Union government, the CBFC, the film’s producers, director, and actor Paresh Rawal among the respondents.
Concerns over content and historical accuracy
In the petition, Abbas stated that the film’s content contradicts established historical consensus and could damage academic integrity. He highlighted scenes and dialogues allegedly unsupported by credible evidence, which he believes could incite controversy.
The plea notes, “That the movie contains deeply divisive scenes that could provoke communal tensions and disturb peace in society.”
It also claims that the film echoes controversial statements previously made by political and ideological groups, warning that such portrayals might fuel communal unrest nationwide.
Trailer release and timing questioned
According to the petition, the trailer of The Taj Story was released on October 16, with the full film slated to hit theatres on October 31 — a date coinciding with both Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary and Indira Gandhi’s death anniversary.
The petitioner suggested that the chosen release date could be symbolic and politically charged, urging the court to prevent what he described as “a deliberate attempt to stir sentiment.”
Call for re-examination and disclaimer
Abbas has requested that the CBFC re-examine the film, introduce a disclaimer clarifying its fictional nature, and remove specific scenes that are considered objectionable.
He further argued that the movie’s portrayal of the Taj Mahal — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — risks tarnishing India’s international image and undermining faith in credible historical research.
Broader context: recurring Taj Mahal debate
The controversy around the Taj Mahal’s origins is not new. For decades, some fringe groups have claimed that the 17th-century Mughal monument was once a Hindu temple named “Tejo Mahalaya.” The theory has been repeatedly discredited by historians and archaeological experts, yet it continues to resurface in cultural and political discussions.
Following the film’s poster release, The Taj Story reignited this long-standing historical debate, sparking online arguments and renewed calls for factual accountability in cinematic storytelling.
Court’s stance and next steps
For now, the Delhi High Court’s refusal to expedite the hearing means that The Taj Story is on track for its scheduled release. The matter may be heard in due course once the regular listing is decided.
Legal observers note that the court’s decision does not reflect an endorsement or rejection of the petitioner’s claims but simply that the case did not merit urgent intervention at this stage.