New Delhi, 06 October (H.S.): The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued notice to actor Salman Khan on an application filed by producer Amit Jani seeking a stay on the hearing of Khan’s suit concerning the proposed film ‘Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy’. Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani sought Khan’s response to the application. The matter will next be heard on December 26.

During the hearing, counsel appearing for filmmaker Amit Jani submitted that substantially the same dispute was already pending before the High Court in an earlier suit filed by Salman Khan. The producer argued that similar reliefs had been sought in both proceedings and contended that the present proceedings should therefore be stayed until the earlier matter is decided.

Salman Khan has objected to the proposed film and its promotional material, alleging that it draws upon his 1998 blackbuck poaching case and other events associated with his life. He has contended that the film and its promotional material unlawfully exploit his personality rights and could adversely affect his reputation and ongoing judicial proceedings.

The dispute relates to the proposed film ‘Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy’, produced by Amit Jani. The makers have maintained that the film is not a biopic on Salman Khan and have said that it is based on information available in the public domain and focuses on the Bishnoi community’s efforts to protect wildlife.

In an earlier hearing on September 10, the producer’s counsel had told the Delhi High Court that the film was not in a releasable state and that its contents had not yet been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Earlier, on July 27, the Delhi High Court directed the removal of links to the film’s teaser and related promotional material from social media and other platforms while hearing Salman Khan’s plea. The court also questioned the conduct of producer Amit Jani during the proceedings.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar