PIL In Delhi High Court Against CBFC Certification To Film '120 Bahadur' Over Alleged Distortion Of Historical Facts

A PIL has been filed in the Delhi High Court challenging the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certificate granted to Farhan Akhtar starrer movie “120 Bahadur” over allegations of distortion of historical facts.

The matter will be heard tomorrow by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela.

The movie portrays Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who was conferred the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery in the Battle of Rezang La in 1962. The film is slated for a theatrical release on November 21.

The PIL has been filed by a charitable trust- Sanyukt Ahir Regiment Morcha, its trustee as well as other individuals claiming to be family members of the martyrs of the Battle of Rezang La. 

The plea alleges that the movie distorts historical truth by singularly glorifying Major Shaitan Singh, as a lone protagonist under the fictionalised name “Bhati,” and erases the collective identity and community contribution of the Ahir soldiers who fought the battle.

It has been averred that the impugned portrayal violates Section 5B(1)–(2) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and Guideline 2(xvii) of the 1991 Certification Guidelines, which prohibit the exhibition of films presenting a “distorted view of history.” It also contravenes Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which criminalises imputations against deceased persons wounding the sentiments of their relatives, the plea adds.

It seeks a direction on the Directors to change the name of the movie from “120 Bahadur” to “120 Vir Ahir”, to make “factual correction and inclusion of all 120 soldiers' names, and insertion of an appropriate disclaimer.”

“On 10.11.2025, the Petitioner No. 1 made a representation to the Respondents no. 1 to 3 (Union of India and CBFC) requesting for suspension of certificate and for stay the release of movie and demanded factual corrections, change of name of movie to “120 Vir Ahir”, inclusion of all soldiers' names, and recognition of the Ahir Company's collective role, but received no response,” the plea submits.

The PIL has been filed through Advocates Gautam Jha and Harsh Lata.

Title: Sanyukt Ahir Regiment Morcha & Ors v. Union of India & Ors