Bombay HC Bans Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar Citing Personality Rights Infringement

The Bombay High Court on Friday affirmed its earlier decision to prevent the release of the film "Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar," concluding that the film's title infringes upon filmmaker Karan Johar's personality rights.

Justice RI Chagla, presiding over the case, dismissed the filmmakers' appeal to lift the temporary ban. He noted that there was substantial evidence suggesting an infringement of Johar's personality rights. According to Hindustan Times, the judge emphasized that the film's title would inevitably lead viewers to associate it directly with Karan Johar. Consequently, the court made its initial order to halt the release permanent.

The director of "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani" had initially filed a lawsuit in June 2024 against Indiapride Advisory Pvt Ltd, the production company behind the film, claiming that the title violated his right to privacy, publicity, and personal branding.

The lawsuit named writer-director Bablu Singh, producer India Pride Advisory, and Sanjay Singh as defendants, seeking an immediate injunction to stop the film's release, originally scheduled for June 14. Additionally, Karan filed an interim application requesting the suspension of the movie's release while the legal proceedings continued.

The filmmaker, Karan Johar, vehemently denied any involvement in the project and accused the producers of exploiting his name without his consent. He argued that the film's title was a deliberate attempt to capitalize on his established reputation, leveraging his brand and professional standing to attract attention.

Johar's complaint emphasized that promotional materials, including trailers and posters, prominently displayed his name, tarnishing his image and violating his rights to privacy, publicity, and personal identity. Despite the title separating "Karan" and "Johar," Johar argued that his prominent position in the entertainment industry made it clear that the reference was to him.

On June 13, 2024, the court ruled in favor of Karan Johar, issuing a temporary injunction preventing the movie's release. In December 2024, Indiapride Advisory filed a countersuit, seeking to overturn the injunction.

Their legal representative, Advocate Ashok M. Saraogi, argued that Johar had intentionally delayed his petition to disrupt the film's release, despite preparations being complete. He claimed that the film's title did not explicitly use Johar's full name and that the filmmakers were willing to make changes to address concerns.

Johar responded by emphasizing that the producers were fully aware of the legal dispute but continued their promotional efforts. He insisted that the unauthorized use of his name directly violated his personal rights and brand value.

The court, in its final verdict, upheld the injunction, permanently barring the film's release. The bench concluded that the unauthorized use of Johar's identity violated his personality rights, right to publicity, and privacy protections. The court rejected the idea that minor changes to the film could resolve the issue, stating that such modifications would not eliminate the risk of misleading audiences.

The court dismissed the filmmakers' claim that Karan Johar had waited too long to challenge the film's release, despite it receiving certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The bench emphasized that obtaining a CBFC certificate does not supersede an individual's right to seek legal redress for violations of their personal and intellectual property rights.

The court underscored the strength of Johar's case, concluding that without immediate legal action, he would suffer "irreparable injury."