Emraan Hashmi, Yami Gautam’s Haq receives legal notice from Shah Bano’s daughter

Siddiqua Begum, the daughter of Shah Bano, has sent a legal notice to the makers of Haq, starring Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam. The notice demands an immediate stop to the film, alleging unauthorised depiction of Shah Bano’s personal life without the consent of her legal heir. It also cites defamation and violation of personality and publicity rights. The notice instructs the production team to respond within seven days of receipt.

Lawyer Tousif Z Warsi, representing Siddiqua Begum, spoke to India Today: “There is a requirement of certain additions, like her personal life being depicted in the movie. The film runs for over two hours, and we do not know which events have been shown, how they have been reproduced, or how her personal life is emphasised. The storyline and theme must first be disclosed to the legal heirs.”

He added, “Written consent must then be obtained to proceed with the depiction of Shah Bano’s life. Without consent from her biological daughters, even the court would likely not allow the release. Previously, similar films were stayed by high courts pending review.”

According to the notice, Siddiqua Begum is the lawful biological daughter and one of Shah Bano’s surviving legal heirs. She claims the film has been conceptualised and promoted without seeking consent from her or her family. The notice further states these actions amount to the “unauthorised use, distortion, and commercialisation of private life events,” infringing upon fundamental and statutory rights under Indian law.

Directed by Suparn Verma, Haq is scheduled for release on November 7, 2025.

As per the makers, Haq begins as a love story, with a private dispute between a husband and wife evolving into a courtroom debate addressing a provocative topic that remains relevant today. The film highlights broader policy issues, including the Uniform Civil Code under Article 44 of the Constitution, while weaving in personal and legal conflicts.