The Delhi High Court on Friday sought responses from the makers of Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legal on a plea filed by actor Salman Khan seeking a stay on the film’s release, alleging that it violates his personality rights and is based on the blackbuck poaching case linked to him.
A vacation bench of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna issued notices to filmmaker Amit Jani, Akshay Pandey and other respondents and listed the matter for hearing on June 19.
The application is part of Khan’s ongoing lawsuit seeking protection of his personality and publicity rights.
The matter was taken up after Khan’s legal team sought an urgent hearing, informing the court that the trailer of the film had been released earlier on Friday.
While the film’s release date is yet to be announced, the actor’s counsel argued that the trailer and promotional material contain clear references to Khan.
According to the plea, the main character in the film closely resembles the actor in appearance, clothing and accessories.
Khan’s lawyer told the court that the character is shown wearing a bracelet that is strongly associated with the actor, making the resemblance obvious to viewers.
The actor contended that the film seeks to exploit his personality rights without permission.
His counsel further argued that Khan had been acquitted in three cases related to the alleged blackbuck poaching incident, while an appeal in one remaining case is still pending before the Supreme Court.
The plea also challenges the film’s poster, released on May 29, claiming it contains a “blatant and obvious” reference to Khan.
It argues that the depiction of the main character holding a gun is defamatory and presents a misleading version of events that is contrary to court records.
Khan’s application accuses the filmmakers of attempting to sensationalise the poaching case and generate publicity at the cost of his reputation and goodwill.
The actor has sought an injunction against the project, claiming it unfairly uses his identity and image.
The High Court had earlier granted interim protection to Khan’s personality rights in December 2025 in a separate case involving unauthorised use of his name, likeness and persona.
Similar relief has also been granted to several public figures, including Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Shashi Tharoor, Gautam Gambhir, Sonakshi Sinha, Vivek Oberoi, Varun Dhawan and Allu Arjun.
The court will hear the matter further on June 19 after receiving responses from the filmmakers. (PTI)
