'Reputation Once Lost Is Lost': Delhi High Court Directs Removal Of 'Kala Hiran' Teaser Allegedly Inspired By Salman Khan Blackbuck Case

The Delhi High Court on Monday directed take down of various links concerning teaser of proposed film "Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy", which is stated to be inspired by actor Salman Khan's 1998 blackbuck poaching case.

Justice Jyoti Singh said that she will also order removal of interviews given by producer Amit Jani.

Disagreeing with the stand taken by the producer, the Court orally said that it will pass an order with strong observations, adding that “this must stop.”

“Reputation once lost is lost…..,” the Court said. “You are linking him with LB. I don't want to name him,” the judge added.

It is alleged that the proposed movie unlawfully exploits Khan's personality rights and falsely portrays events associated with him. An application opposing its release has been filed in the actor's suit seeking protection of his personality rights.

The actor contends that promotional material released by the makers contains unmistakable references to him, including the depiction of a lookalike wearing his iconic blue bracelet, which has become uniquely associated with him in the public imagination.

The plea further alleges that one of the posters depicts the lookalike holding a rifle or gun, thereby creating a misleading narrative contrary to judicial records.

As per the actor, such portrayal is particularly objectionable in light of his acquittal in proceedings under the Arms Act and is capable of misleading the public regarding actual events.

Senior Advocate Ravi Prakash, with Advocates Nizam Pasha, Parag Khandhar, Chandrima Mitra, Krishnan Kumar, Tapan Radkar, Astu Khandelwal and Zara Dhanboora appeared for the actor.

Case title: Salman Khan v/s John Doe & Others