Bombay HC upholds stay on 'Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar' release over personality rights violation

Karan Johar wins big in a legal battle over Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar title

Filmmaker Karan Johar has recently won big in his legal battle with the makers of the film, Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar. The Bombay High Court has recently given relief to Karan and dismissed a plea by the makers of the film on Wednesday.

The HC has ordered to continue the ban on the release and promotion of the film. The court ruled in favour of Karan Johar, stating that using his name and personality traits in the film's title without permission infringed upon his right to control his own identity and image.

According to India Today reports, the division bench, comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice MS Karnik, upheld the single judge's previous order granting an injunction against the film's release and refused to modify it.

During the recent hearing, film producer Sanjay Singh's lawyer, Ashok Saraogi, asked the court to allow the film's release if the title was changed, but the bench refused. Instead, they suggested the filmmaker could file a new application with the single judge to explore this option.

However, further details of the order are still awaited.

Previously, a single-judge bench led by Justice RI Chagla halted the film’s release and ruled that the title of the movie, Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar, would likely lead people to associate it directly with Karan Johar.

Also Read: HC halts the release of film Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar for misusing filmmaker's name

The court declared that using Johar's name and personal traits without permission violates his rights. The HC also ruled that just making some changes to the movie isn't enough to avoid confusing people.

Karan Johar approached the high court in June 2024 and requested a ban on the release of the film. He argued in the court that “unless his consent is taken for using his personal attributes, such as his name and profession, there is a violation of such rights.” The upcoming film is produced by Indiapride Advisory Pvt Ltd.