Bombay High Court grants relief to Karan Johar, stays release of "Shaadi ke Director Karan aur Johar"

The Bombay High Court has stayed the release of the film “Shaadi ke Director Karan aur Johar" on a plea by Bollywood director Karan Johar, who took objection to the use of his name in the title of the movie [Karan Johar v. IndiaPride Advisory Pvt. Ltd. & Ors]..Justice RI Chagla passed the order today, observing that the use of Johar's name in the film's title and film promotions in an unauthorised manner would prima facie violate Johar's personality and fundamental rights."In my view, a strong prima facie case is made by Johar to protect his personality rights, which vests in him, considering that he has a status of celebrity, as is apparent from several films he has directed and produced. The film, slated to be released on June 14, makes a direct reference to Johar and is an unauthorised use of his name. The use of the name prime facie makes it evident that the defendants have used Johar’s personality. The defendants are thus creating confusion that the film is associated with Johar, as the name is solely associated with him," the Court observed. .Justice Chagla, therefore, passed an interim order restraining the makers from using Karan Johar's name, together or in parts, in the film's title or promotions. The Court proceeded to temporarily restrain the makers from releasing the film through any mode or medium until they removed Karan Johar's name (together or in parts) from the film's title and in existing film promotions. The Court, however, granted liberty to the makers to seek a modification or a vacation of the interim order if the need arises..The Court was dealing with a suit filed by Karan Johar against IndiaPride Advisory (the producers of the movie), Sanjay Singh (writer) and Bablu Singh (film director).Johar had sought a permanent injunction against the filmmakers to stop them from using his name in the title of the film. The movie was earlier scheduled to be released on June 14, Friday (tomorrow)..Senior advocate Zal Andhyarujina appeared for Johar today and argued that the plea for an injunction should be granted, particularly since it was established that there is a violation of the personality rights of a celebrity.He added that the movie was slated to have a limited release in selective theatres. Therefore, a stay on the release of the film would not significantly affect the makers, he argued. He contended that Johar had no relation to the film and that its makers were unlawfully using his name in the title of the film. The title of the film directly made a reference to Johar's name, thereby violating his personality rights, rights to publicity and privacy, it was argued.Johar had also claimed that by using his 'brand name' in an unauthorised manner, the makers were riding on his goodwill and reputation which is not legally permissible..Senior advocate Zal Andhyarujina assisted by advocate Rashmin Khandeka, briefed by a team from DSK Legal including partners Parag Khandhar and Chandrima Mitra along with associates Pranita Saboo and Anaheeta Verma appeared for Johar.Chief Legal Officer of Dharma Productions Rakhee Bajpai.