The Court also indicated that it would direct the removal of the film producer’s interviews, observing that an individual’s reputation deserves legal protection.
The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the removal of various online links related to the teaser of the proposed film Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy, which is alleged to be inspired by actor Salman Khan’s 1998 blackbuck poaching case.
The direction was issued by Justice Jyoti Singh while hearing an application in Salman Khan’s pending personality rights suit challenging the release and promotion of the proposed film.
During the proceedings, the Court also stated that it would order the removal of interviews given by the film’s producer, Amit Jani, in connection with the project.
Expressing its disapproval of the producer’s submissions, the Court orally observed that it intended to pass an order containing strong observations.
“This must stop,” the Court remarked during the hearing.
Highlighting the significance of safeguarding an individual’s reputation, Justice Singh further observed:
“Reputation once lost is lost…..”
The Court also orally noted:
“You are linking him with LB. I don’t want to name him.”
According to the application filed by Salman Khan, the proposed film unlawfully exploits his personality rights and falsely portrays events allegedly associated with him. The actor contends that the promotional material released by the filmmakers contains unmistakable references that would lead the public to identify the character with him.
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The plea specifically points to the depiction of a lookalike wearing Salman Khan’s signature blue bracelet, which the actor argues has become a distinctive identifier closely associated with his public persona. It is submitted that such visual references amount to the unauthorised commercial use of his identity and reputation.
The case raises important legal questions regarding the scope of personality rights, particularly in relation to films claimed to be inspired by real-life events. Indian courts have increasingly recognised that celebrities possess enforceable rights against the unauthorised commercial exploitation of their name, likeness, image and other distinctive attributes, while also balancing these rights against the constitutional guarantee of freedom of speech and artistic expression.
The matter is expected to continue before the Delhi High Court as it considers whether the film’s promotional material unlawfully infringes Salman Khan’s rights and whether further interim relief is warranted.
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