Public interest litigation filed in Delhi High Court against the film ‘The Taj Story’

New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court against the upcoming film ‘The Taj Story’, alleging that the film distorts historical facts and could potentially disturb communal harmony.

The petition, filed by lawyer Shakeel Abbas, has sought a direction to the Central government and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to review the certification given to the film.

In his petition, Abbas argued that the film presents misleading and manipulated information about the Taj Mahal, one of India’s most iconic monuments, and promotes a partisan political ideology. The petitioner has made the film’s producer, director, writer and actor Paresh Rawal along with the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and CBFC as parties in the case.

The PIL argues that “the film deliberately distorts historical facts for political purposes,” and warns that its release could lead to communal discord. Citing examples like ‘The Kashmir Files’ and ‘The Bengal Files’, the petitioner further claimed that the production house and the creative team have a pattern of making politically motivated and controversial films.

According to the petition, the trailer of ‘The Taj Story’ was released on October 16, 2025, and the film is scheduled for nationwide release on October 31. It alleges that despite clear indications of factual manipulation and provocative content, the CBFC failed to act responsibly, and allowed the release of the trailer without proper investigation.

The PIL has requested the Delhi High Court to direct the CBFC to re-examine the certification of the film, add a stronger disclaimer and consider removing objectionable scenes or imposing an ‘adults only’ rating to prevent misuse of historical narratives.

The petition emphasizes that allowing such films without adequate verification could weaken the secular fabric of India and distort public understanding of historical truth.

It is expected that the Delhi High Court will hear the matter soon.

–IANS

RS/RAD