The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea seeking an urgent hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against the upcoming Bollywood film The Taj Story, starring veteran actor Paresh Rawal.
The petition, filed by a Delhi-based activist, alleged that the film distorts historical facts about the Taj Mahal and promotes communal propaganda. It urged the court to restrain the movie’s release and revoke its certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
However, the bench refused to list the case for urgent hearing, observing that the matter did not warrant immediate judicial intervention. The court noted that issues concerning creative expression must be weighed carefully against claims of potential public unrest.
“Freedom of artistic expression is a constitutionally protected right. Unless there is a clear and immediate threat to law and order, the court cannot pre-emptively block a film’s release,” the order stated.
The film, directed by Dharmendra Rai, is reportedly based on controversial interpretations surrounding the origins of the Taj Mahal. The trailer, released earlier this month, sparked debate for allegedly presenting fringe theories about the Mughal-era monument.
While the court’s decision means The Taj Story will move ahead toward its scheduled release on October 31, 2025, the PIL remains pending and may be taken up for hearing later.
Legal experts say the ruling underscores the judiciary’s reluctance to interfere in matters of creative freedom unless clear evidence of harm is presented.
Paresh Rawal and the film’s production team have not yet commented publicly on the controversy.
