Delhi High Court Issues Notice on Salman Khan's Plea Against Kala Hiran Film

The Delhi High Court on Friday issued notice to the makers of the upcoming film Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy on a plea filed by actor Salman Khan, who has sought a stay on the film's production, promotion and release alleging violation of his personality rights.

Khan has contended that the film's promotional material makes a direct and unmistakable reference to him and commercially exploits his identity without consent.

The bench of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna sought a response from the filmmakers and posted the matter for further hearing on June 19.

According to submissions made on behalf of the actor, the controversy arose after the makers released the film's poster and teaser.

Khan's counsel argued that the material depicts a character bearing a strong resemblance to the actor, including styling and accessories like his bracelet associated with his public persona.

He stated that such portrayal amounts to an infringement of his personality and publicity rights, which protect an individual's name, image and likeness from unauthorised commercial use.

During the hearing, senior counsel appearing for Khan reportedly referred to previous judicial protection granted to the actor's personality rights and submitted that the filmmakers were attempting to capitalize on his identity.

It was argued that despite the absence of any authorisation from Khan, the project appeared designed to evoke a connection with him in the minds of viewers.

The actor has also raised concerns over the film's alleged connection with the 1998 blackbuck poaching case, a matter that has remained the subject of prolonged litigation.

His legal team contended that a cinematic depiction linked to the case could affect public perception and potentially prejudice ongoing proceedings.

The counsel further stated that any portrayal inspired by pending legal disputes may interfere with his right to a fair trial and damage his reputation.

Khan has sought an interim injunction restraining the filmmakers from releasing or promoting the project pending adjudication of the dispute. His petition reportedly seeks a complete halt on the circulation of promotional material, including posters, teasers and trailers, until the court determines whether the film unlawfully uses his persona.

The high court, however, did not pass any immediate restraining order. Observing that the opposite side must first be heard, court issued notice to the film's producers and other respondents and directed them to place their stand on record before the next date of hearing.

The dispute follows an earlier legal notice sent by Khan's representatives to the makers of 'Kala Hiran'. In that notice, the actor alleged that the film was based on events connected to the blackbuck case and unlawfully drew upon his identity. The filmmakers rejected those allegations and maintained that the project was inspired by real-life legal developments and the Bishnoi community's efforts relating to wildlife protection rather than being a biographical portrayal of the actor.

Produced by producer Amit Jani and directed by Bharat S. Shrinate, 'Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy' has generated considerable attention since its announcement due to its apparent reference to the blackbuck poaching controversy. The release of the teaser intensified the dispute, with Khan's legal team asserting that the resemblance between the film's lead character and the actor was too significant to be coincidental.

[Source: The Hindu]