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Synopsis

The Bombay High Court on Thursday stayed the release of the movie 'Shadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar' in a petition filed by Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar objecting to the use of his name in the movie and title.

The single judge bench of the high court comprising Justice Riyaz Chagla, while staying the release of the movie, said that,

"In my view, a strong prima facie case is made by Johar to protect his personality rights, which vests in him, considering that he has a status of celebrity as is apparent from several films he has directed and produced. The film slated to be released on June 14 makes a direct reference to Johar and is an unauthorised use of his name. The use of the name prime facie makes it evident that the defendants have used Johar's personality. The defendants are thus creating confusion that the film is associated with Johar, as the name is solely associated with him", the court said.

Johar has moved the high court against the producers of the movie India Pride Advisory and Sanjay Singh, including writer and director Bablu Singh.

Johar argued that he had nothing to do with the movie and the makers were using his name unlawfully.

Furthermore, he argued that the use of his name directly affected his personality rights, publicity rights, and privacy. 

The high court refrained the makers from using Johar's name in the title, trailer, and promotional activities of the movie. 

Additionally, the high court halted the release of the movie until the makers removed Johar's name from the title and existing promotional activities. 

However, the high court also allowed the makers to apply for vacation of the stay.