New Delhi, Jul 1: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday listed for hearing on July 6 actor Salman Khan’s plea seeking a stay on the release of the film “Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legal”, as it noted that the movie was yet to be sent to the censor board for certification for its release.
Khan had moved the high court last month, contending that the film was purportedly based on the blackbuck poaching case allegedly involving the actor and was in violation of a high court order protecting his personality rights.
Justice Jyoti Singh deferred the hearing after noting that a rejoinder filed by the filmstar was not on record.
As Khan’s senior counsel argued that urgent directions were required in the matter to avert the release in the meantime, the lawyer appearing for the makers of “Kala Hiran” said the film would not be sent to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) till Monday (July 6).
“Can a movie be released before the censor board’s certification? A movie cannot be released unless there is certification by the censor board. The movie has not even been sent to the censor board. We will not send the movie to the censor board till Monday,” he submitted.
The application is part of the 59-year-old Khan’s lawsuit for protection of his personality rights.
In the response filed to the application, filmmaker Amit Jani said Khan cannot claim any “ownership” over criminal cases, judicial proceedings, media reports or historical events merely because such events involved or concerned him.
The response asserted that there was no exploitation of his personality rights as there was neither any false endorsement nor commercial impersonation or unlawful commercial exploitation.
The makers also clarified that the movie was not Salman Khan’s biopic and he cannot invoke personality rights “to erase” the public events concerning the blackbuck controversy.
Khan, in his rejoinder to the response, said he has not claimed a monopoly over any event or public discourse, and his grievance was the unauthorised commercial exploitation of his identity and other uniquely identifiable characteristics, such as his instantly recognisable bracelet, ear studs, etc., to attract viewers.
In the application, the actor has said the film’s poster, released on May 29, shows that there is a “blatant and obvious reference” to him.
A teaser of the film was also released last month.
The plea has stated that although Khan was acquitted of offences under the Arms Act by a court in Rajasthan, the main character in the poster is holding a gun, which is defamatory.
“The character depicted has an uncanny resemblance to the plaintiff and is clearly seen wearing a bracelet, which is immediately and promptly identifiable with the plaintiff and no one else,” stated the application.
“The poster and the proposed film are therefore clearly spreading a false narrative, misleading and appear to be completely contrary to the actual state of affairs and contrary to records,” it added.
The application has also accused the filmmakers of deliberately attempting to “sensationalise” the poaching cases and making headlines to grab public attention at the cost of Khan’s goodwill and reputation.
Khan had earlier approached the high court for restraining various social media platforms and e-commerce websites from unauthorisedly using his name, images, persona and likeness and to protect his personality rights.
The High Court passed an interim order in his favour on December 11, 2025. (PTI)
