Paresh Rawal’s upcoming film ‘The Taj Story’ has found itself at the center of controversy and legal trouble just days before its grand nationwide release on October 31, 2025. But as per reports, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to grant an urgent hearing to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against the film. As reported by ANI, a bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya observed that the matter would be taken up in the normal course, stating briefly, “It will be auto-listed.”
Petition seeks review of film certification
According to the report, the PIL, filed by Shakeel Abbas through advocate Shakil Sheikh, has requested a review of the film’s certification. It also asks that the authorities ensure appropriate disclaimers are displayed in all promotional material and film credits. The plea suggests that the disclaimer should clearly mention that the movie “deals with a contested narrative and does not claim to be a definitive historical account.,
Petitioner urges preventive action by states
The petitioner has asked that all state agencies take preventive steps to ensure no communal incident occurs after the film’s release. The plea names as respondents the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the producers, directors, and actor Paresh Rawal. It alleges that the film is based on “fabricated facts” and promotes a “particular propaganda” intended to gain political mileage and incite communal disharmony.
Trailer scene raises controversy over Taj Mahal
According to the petition, the trailer of the film, launched on 16 October 2025, shows the dome of the Taj Mahal lifting to reveal a figure of Lord Shiva. The petitioner claims that this scene suggests the monument was originally a temple. The plea argues that such imagery “distorts historical facts, misrepresents India’s composite culture, and risks provoking communal unrest.”
PIL questions CBFC’s due diligence process
The PIL further claims that the CBFC failed to act responsibly before approving the film, despite what it calls “highly provocative and sensitive content.” It also mentions that the filmmakers, CA Suresh Jha, Tushar Amrish Goel, and Saurabh M. Pandey, have a history of making “controversial and divisive films.”
Petition highlights duty to protect heritage
Referring to Article 51A(f) of the Constitution, which asks citizens to preserve the nation’s heritage, the petitioner argued that this duty also applies to State authorities, especially when matters of public order and national heritage are involved. The Taj Mahal, being a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), deserves to be represented with accuracy and respect, the plea adds.
PIL seeks safeguards to prevent unrest
The petition states that “the film contains fabricated and provocative content that could disturb public order and offend the sentiments of diverse communities.” It urges the court to either revoke or re-examine the film’s certification, or direct authorities to add safeguards and disclaimers to prevent “historical distortion and communal provocation.”
Court to hear matter in due course
Although the Delhi High Court declined to treat the PIL as urgent, it will be taken up in due course. For now, ‘The Taj Story’ is still expected to release on October 31, 2025, while the petition awaits its regular hearing.Disclaimer: The following news report is based on information from official sources and media reports at the time of publication. It concerns an ongoing investigation, and the details are subject to change as the case progresses. The details provided represent allegations made by the parties involved and are not proven facts. The publication does not claim that the allegations are true.
