Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Umar Khalid Documentary Screening Cancelled After Bengaluru ABVP Protest
A student group at a law university planned to show a film about Umar Khalid.
The film is called Prisoner No.
626710 is Present.
The screening was planned for September 12.
ABVP, another student organisation, opposed the event and threatened protests.
The university first postponed the screening, saying there were logistical and security concerns.
A student-body account later said the screening was cancelled.
An earlier report said the university had not officially confirmed the cancellation.
The disagreement has led to a wider discussion about free speech and academic discussions at universities.
Khalid has been in custody since his 2020 arrest.
NLSIU’s Law and Society Committee planned to screen Prisoner No. 626710 is Present about Umar Khalid.
The screening, scheduled for September 12, was postponed after ABVP opposition and threatened protests.
A student-body account says the screening was later cancelled, while an earlier report said NLSIU and LawSoc had not officially confirmed the cancellation.
ABVP cited national security, Kashmir and concerns over narratives it said could undermine India’s sovereignty and integrity.
The dispute has fueled debate in Karnataka over academic freedom, political expression and campus safety.
- Who
- NLSIU’s Law and Society Committee, its student body, ABVP, filmmaker Lalit Vachani and political leaders in Karnataka are involved; the film concerns Umar Khalid.
- What
- A proposed screening of Prisoner No. 626710 is Present was postponed and subsequently reported as cancelled, though accounts differed on official confirmation.
- When
- The screening was scheduled for September 12; Khalid was arrested on September 13, 2020.
- Where
- The proposed event was at the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Why
- ABVP opposed the screening over national security, Kashmir and sovereignty concerns; organizers also cited logistical, security and possible legal risks.
Supporters of Academic Discussion
Opponents Citing National Security
Whether the screening should proceed
Supporters of Academic Discussion
Supporters, including Congress leaders mentioned in the reports, defend universities as places where political issues and the case of Umar Khalid can be discussed.
Opponents Citing National Security
ABVP and BJP leaders opposed the screening and called for its cancellation, arguing that the event could platform narratives they consider harmful to India’s sovereignty, integrity and security.
Academic freedom and institutional responsibility
Supporters of Academic Discussion
Supporters view the documentary as suitable for academic and political discussion on campus.
Opponents Citing National Security
ABVP argues that academic freedom does not extend to narratives it says are separatist or anti-national, while a student-body member cited possible FIRs affecting students and faculty.
- Institution
- National Law School of India University, Bengaluru
- Documentary
- Prisoner No. 626710 is Present
- Director
- Lalit Vachani
- Organizer
- Law and Society Committee of NLSIU’s Student Bar Association
- Scheduled date
- September 12
- Opposing organization
- Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad
- Status
- A student-body account says the screening was cancelled; an earlier report said NLSIU and LawSoc had not officially confirmed the cancellation
- Umar Khalid case
- He was arrested on September 13, 2020, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in connection with an alleged larger conspiracy related to the February 2020 Delhi riots
