Today, On 13th June, The Bombay High Court ordered a stay on the release of the film ‘Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar’. Karan Johar requested the ban, citing concerns over its content. The movie was originally scheduled for release in June.
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court issued a stay on the release of the film “Shaadi ke Director Karan aur Johar” in response to a plea filed by Bollywood director Karan Johar. Johar objected to the unauthorized use of his name in the title of the movie.
In the order, Justice RI Chagla observed that the use of Johar’s name in the film’s title and promotional materials would prima facie violate his personality rights and fundamental rights. The court therefore temporarily stayed the release of the film pending further proceedings.
Read Also: Karan Johar Moves Bombay HC Against Film “Shaadi ke Director Karan aur Johar”
The Court Observed,
“Based on the evidence presented, it is clear that Johar has established a strong prima facie case to safeguard his personality rights, which he possesses as a well-known celebrity, evident from the numerous films he has directed and produced. The upcoming film, scheduled for release on June 14, explicitly references Johar and uses his name without authorization. This unauthorized use clearly indicates that the defendants have exploited Johar’s personality. As a result, they are misleading the public into believing that the film is associated with Johar, whose name is uniquely identified with him,”
Consequently, Justice Chagla issued an interim order preventing the filmmakers from using Karan Johar‘s name, either wholly or partially, in the film’s title or promotional materials.
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.
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.
Senior advocate Zal Andhyarujina, assisted by advocate Rashmin Khandeka and briefed by a team from DSK Legal, including partners Parag Khandhar and Chandrima Mitra, along with associates Pranita Saboo and Anaheeta Verma, represented Johar.
Rakhee Bajpai, Chief Legal Officer of Dharma Productions, also involved.