The Single Judge had clearly stated that the movie makers had violated Karan Johar’s right to privacy and personality by using the words “Karan” and “Johar” in the film’s name.
NEW DELHI: Today, 7th May: In a major relief to famous Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar, the Bombay High Court has upheld an earlier decision that stopped the release of a film titled “Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar.”
Read Also: Karan Johar Moves Bombay HC Against Film “Shaadi ke Director Karan aur Johar”
A Division Bench of the High Court, which included Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Makarand Karnik, confirmed the March 7, 2025 order passed by a Single Judge.
That earlier ruling had put a temporary stop to the film’s release, saying that the title wrongly used Karan Johar’s name.
The Single Judge had clearly stated that the movie makers had violated Karan Johar’s right to privacy and personality by using the words “Karan” and “Johar” in the film’s name.
The Division Bench, while giving its verdict, said that there was no valid reason to interfere with the Single Judge’s decision.
The court said, “the appeal is dismissed, as there is no valid ground to interfere with the decision of the learned Single Judge.”
Also, the filmmakers had requested the court to allow the release of the movie under a different name. But the court refused to look into this request and said that it should be made before the original judge.
The Bench clearly mentioned, “such a request should be made before the single judge.”
Earlier, The Court issued a temporary injunction preventing the filmmakers from releasing the film in any format until Karan Johar’s name, either wholly or partially, is removed from the film’s title and existing promotional materials.
However, the Court allowed the filmmakers the option to request a modification or lifting of the interim order if necessary.
This ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by Karan Johar against India Pride Advisory (the producers), Sanjay Singh (the writer), and Bablu Singh (the director).
Johar had sought a permanent injunction to prohibit the filmmakers from using his name in the film’s title.
The film initially set to be released on Friday, June 14 .
Senior advocate Zal Andhyarujina represented Johar and argued that the injunction should be granted, emphasizing the clear violation of the personality rights of a celebrity.
He argued,
“The movie was intended for a limited release in select theaters. Thus, staying its release would not significantly impact the filmmakers.”
Andhyarujina also asserted that Johar had no association with the film, and the filmmakers unlawfully using his name in the title.
Read Also: Bombay HC Issues Stay Order on Release of ‘Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar’
It argued that the film’s title directly referenced Johar’s name, thereby infringing on his personality rights, as well as his rights to publicity and privacy.
Johar also contended that the unauthorized use of his ‘brand name‘ allowed the filmmakers to unfairly benefit from his goodwill and reputation, which is not legally permissible.
Case Name: Karan Johar v India Pride Advisory and Ors
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