New Delhi, June 28 -- A US federal judge has ordered the Justice Department to either release unredacted versions of several files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein or explain why the documents cannot be disclosed, marking the latest legal setback for the department over its handling of the high-profile records.

US District Judge Emmet Sullivan issued the order on Thursday in a lawsuit accusing Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche of improperly redacting key documents released under a federal law.

The Justice Department has until July 2 to comply.

Judge Sullivan directed the Justice Department to either:

-Release unredacted versions of several Epstein-related documents; or

-Explain why the information must remain reda...