Nyay: The Justice does not contain Sushant Singh Rajput’s name or likeness: Filmmakers to HC

In April, the trailer of the film titled ‘Nyay The Justice’ was released online. Going by the looks of it, it was touted that the film is based on Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death. Directed by Dilip Gulati stars Zuber K Khan and Shreya Shukla in lead roles, along with Shakti Kapoor and Aman Verma among others.

Soon after, Rajput’s family had moved the Delhi High Court against movies depicting late actor's personal life. On Wednesday, the makers of ‘Nyay The Justice’ told the Delhi HC that the film is not a biopic on Sushant Singh Rajput and it does not depict his caricature, name or likeness.

After hearing arguments of both sides, Justice Sanjeev Narula reserved judgement in the matter and asked the producers and director of the film not to release the movie till the court pronounces its verdict, reports PTI.

The film is scheduled to be released on June 11, and the court said it would most likely deliver the verdict before June 11, but if it was unable to do so, then the movie’s release be held back. 

However, Chander Lall, senior advocate appearing for the director of the film, said that the movie’s release has been widely publicised, and they would not be able to give any assurance with regards to holding back the release. The advocate also mentioned that Rajput’s caricature, name or likeness has not been used in the film.

In his plea, Sushant Singh Rajput’s father Krishna Kishore Singh had said that none of these projects are based on the facts and have been made without the consent of any of the family members. Sushant's father also alleges that these projects have been 'designed to malign' his son's image and the family's reputation but it will also 'derail' the CBI investigation into his death case. 

In response, advocate Lall told the court that restraining anyone from making any movie on what happened to Rajput would be an infringement of the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the Constitution. They said that Rajput being a celebrity, people need to know what happened to him.

They cited examples of movies, both Indian and foreign, made on various individuals and companies without their express permission and said that such activity was permissible.

They also said that since Rajput has passed away the rights of fair trial and privacy cannot be inherited by his father.

Meanwhile, Rajput’s father had also sought an amount of Rs 2,00,02,200 as damages from these movie-makers against the mental trauma caused to the family.