The Court previously stated that the use of the words ‘Karan’ and ‘Johar’—along with ‘Director’—gave an impression that Johar was associated with the film. This, the Court found, was misleading and unfair.
Bombay: The Bombay High Court has refused to lift the stay on the release of the film Shaadi Ke Director Karan aur Johar, stating that the title prima facie violates filmmaker Karan Johar’s personality rights.
The decision was made on Friday by Justice RI Chagla, who ruled that there is a strong case supporting Johar’s claim.
ALSO READ: Karan Johar Moves Bombay HC Against Film “Shaadi ke Director Karan aur Johar”
Justice Chagla was hearing a plea by the film’s makers, who had requested the Court to remove the stay and allow the movie’s release. However, the judge noted that the film’s title used Karan Johar’s name in a way that could mislead the public into thinking that he was involved in the project.
The Court had already granted interim relief to Johar on June 13, 2024, and on Friday, it made this order permanent.
The Court had previously stated that the use of the words ‘Karan’ and ‘Johar’—along with ‘Director’—gave an impression that Johar was associated with the film. This, the Court found, was misleading and unfair.
Background
The dispute began when Karan Johar approached the Bombay High Court against the film’s producers—IndiaPride Advisory, writer Sanjay Singh, and director Bablu Singh. He argued that the film’s title wrongly used his name, violating his personality rights and fundamental rights. Johar also alleged that the filmmakers were trying to take advantage of his goodwill and reputation by including his name in the title.
ALSO READ: Bombay HC Issues Stay Order on Release of ‘Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar’
The Court had earlier agreed with Johar’s claims, stating that such use of his name created confusion among the public. The Court had noted in its June 2024 order:
“The Defendants are thus creating confusion in the minds of the public at large that the subject film is associated with the Plaintiff as the general public will identify and associate the use of the Plaintiff’s name ‘Karan Johar’ with the title of the subject film solely upon becoming aware of the subject film.”
At that time, the judge had given the filmmakers the option to approach the Court again if needed. However, when they did so on Friday, the Court rejected their plea and decided to keep the stay in place until the case is fully resolved.
Karan Johar was represented by Senior Advocate Zal Andhyarujina along with advocates Rashmin Khandekar, Shayan Bisney, Parag Khandhar, Tapan Radkar, Krupa Yagnik, Pramita Saboo, and Anaheeta Verma. They were instructed by DSK Legal.
On the other hand, Advocate Ashok Saraogi appeared for Sanjay Singh, along with advocates Anand Mishra, Sushil Upadhyay, Amit Dubey, and Siddharth Singh.
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