COMPAT refuses to stay release of Jab Tak Hai Jaan Issues notice to YRF HSA Advocates represents YRF while Naik Naik for ADF

The Competition Appellate Tribunal has refused to stay the release of the movie ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF). However, the Tribunal has issued notice to YRF on Ajay Devgn Films’ (ADF) plea alleging that YRF was using its dominant position to ask exhibitors to dedicate more screens to upcoming release of ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’, affecting ADF’s movie ‘Son of Sardaar’..The Competition Appellate Tribunal has refused to stay the release of the movie ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’ produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF). However, the Tribunal has issued notice to YRF on Ajay Devgn Films’ (ADF) plea alleging that YRF was using its dominant position to ask exhibitors to dedicate more screens to upcoming release of ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’, affecting ADF’s movie ‘Son of Sardaar’..Senior Advocate Ramji Srinivasan along with HSA Advocates Partners Meenakshi Arora, Navin Syiem and Anjan Dasgupta are representing YRF in the Tribunal while Senior Advocates Dr. Abhishek M. Singhvi and Shyam Divan along with Naik Naik Partners Ameet Naik and Ravi Suryawanshi are representing ADF..ADF approached the Tribunal after the Competition Commission of India (CCI) dismissed its complaint alleging abuse of dominant position by YRF. The CCI had rejected the complaint saying that there were no violations of competition norms in the case..The Tribunal has declined to interfere with agreements between YRF and single screen owners, which would affect the screening of the film, ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan’..The Tribunal said huge economic interests are at stake for both the parties’ films and there could be irreparable loss, if the release is stayed. It also noted that “it would not be proper on our part to freeze the agreements” between YRF and the single screen film exhibitors..While issuing notice to YRF, following ADF’s appeal, the Tribunal, headed by Chairman Justice VS Sirpurkar also said “it was not expressing any opinion (about the matter) at this stage”, according to media reports..Both the films are set for release on same day on November 13.