The Bombay High Court has refused to lift the interim stay on the release of the film ‘Shaadi Ke Director Karan aur Johar’, ruling that the movie’s title prima facie infringes the personality and publicity rights of filmmaker Karan Johar [Karan Johar v. India Pride Advisory and Ors].
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice MS Karnik upheld the March 2025 order by Justice RI Chagla, which restrained the filmmakers from using Johar’s name in the title or promotions. The Court agreed with Johar’s claim that the use of his name was likely to mislead the public into believing that he was associated with the film.
The Bench observed that combining the terms ‘Karan’, ‘Johar’, and ‘Director’ in the film’s title was likely to create confusion and falsely associate the film with Johar’s brand and identity. Despite the filmmakers offering to modify the title, the Court directed them to approach the Single Judge for any such relief.
The case stems from Johar’s plea filed in June 2024, in which he argued that the title was a deliberate attempt to exploit his goodwill and reputation, constituting a violation of his personality and fundamental rights.
The Division Bench emphasized that publicity rights are an integral part of an individual’s identity, and affirmed that the interim relief granted in Johar’s favour would continue.
