Delhi High Court Engages in Salman Khan’s Legal Bid Against Kala Hiran Film
The Delhi High Court has initiated proceedings in response to Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s legal petition, which seeks to prevent the release of the film Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy. The court has requested a formal reply from the film’s producer, Amit Jani, within a fortnight [Salman Khan v. Amit Jani & Ors]. Justice Jyoti Singh presided over the proceedings and instructed Jani’s legal representation to provide their response to Khan’s suit within the specified time frame.
During the hearing, the counsel for the producer argued that the film is not yet in a position to be released, as it has not received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The counsel further stated, “I have serious objections with the suit. The movie is not in a release-able form. It has to be sent to the censor board for certification. Even the trailer has not been released.” The court has scheduled the next hearing for September 30.
Salman Khan’s Legal Challenges and Demands
Salman Khan’s lawsuit names multiple defendants, including producer Amit Jani, Jani FireFox Films, director Bharat Shrinate, and casting director Akshay Pandey. Khan is seeking an injunction to prevent the release, distribution, and broadcasting of the movie. His legal petition demands the removal of the film’s teaser, a public retraction, an apology for alleged defamatory content, and the destruction of all promotional materials. Additionally, Khan is seeking damages exceeding ₹2 crore from the film’s creators.
Khan claims that he became aware of Kala Hiran in April and argues that the film falsely associates him with the criminal underworld. He also contests that the film’s promotional materials violate his personality rights by depicting him in a defamatory manner. Khan reportedly issued a legal notice to Amit Jani, which Jani allegedly mocked and publicly tore during an interview, subsequently posting on social media that he was being threatened by Khan and unidentified criminal elements.
Allegations Surrounding Film’s Content
The lawsuit references media reports and a press conference held by Jani, which allegedly indicate that the film is linked to the infamous blackbuck poaching case involving Khan. The actor contends that the film could compromise his right to a fair trial, as legal proceedings regarding the poaching case are ongoing in both the Rajasthan High Court and the Supreme Court.
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According to Khan, promotional materials released by the filmmakers depict a character closely resembling him, wearing a bracelet similar to one he is known for. A subsequent poster allegedly portrays a deceased blackbuck alongside a Khan lookalike. Following these promotions, the film’s teaser and trailer were released, featuring a protagonist with characteristics akin to Khan. Despite public declarations by the filmmakers that production has concluded, Khan seeks to halt the film’s planned September release.
On July 27, the court issued an interim order to remove the second teaser from public access. A previous application in Khan’s personality rights lawsuit also sought similar relief, prompting the filing of this new suit for an injunction. Advocates Chandrima Mitra, Parag Khandhar, and Krishan Kumar filed the petition, with senior advocate Ravi Prakash leading the legal team alongside other notable lawyers.
