Salman Khan Moves Delhi High Court Against Film Kala Hiran Citing Personality Rights Violation

Salman Khan has taken legal action against the makers of the upcoming film Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy, approaching the Delhi High Court to seek an injunction against the project. The actor alleges that the film unlawfully exploits his personality rights and falsely portrays events connected to him. On Friday, a vacation bench of the Delhi High Court, led by Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, issued a notice to the film's producers, Amit Jani, Akshay Pandey, and others. The matter has been listed for a follow-up hearing on June 19.

During the proceedings, senior advocate Dayan Krishnan, representing Salman Khan, argued that the film is purportedly based on the actor's 1998 blackbuck poaching case. He contended that the project violates an earlier High Court order that protects the actor’s personality rights.

The legal application filed by Salman highlights that the film’s promotional material contains clear references to him. Specifically, it points to a character in the film who bears an uncanny resemblance to the actor, notably wearing his signature blue bracelet. The application states, “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.”

Salman also argued that such a portrayal is objectionable, especially given that he was acquitted in the proceedings under the Arms Act. Salman contends that the film is capable of misleading the public regarding actual events. The plea also mentions that despite receiving a legal notice dated April 24, the producers continued to publicise the film and repost content linking it to the actor.

Describing the situation as a “gross violation” of his recognized personality rights, Salman has sought immediate injunctive relief against the film’s development, production, publication, and promotion. During the hearing, while counsel for the producers confirmed that the trailer had been released earlier on Friday, they noted that no official release date for the film has been announced. However, Salman's legal team has urged the court to issue an injunction against the entire project.