The Delhi High Court on Friday issued notice in an application filed by the producer of Kala Hiran: Battle for Legacy, seeking rejection of Bollywood actor Salman Khan ’s suit seeking a stay on the film’s release, on the ground that the court lacks territorial jurisdiction.
In his suit, Salman painted a picture that the producer had repeatedly and publicly admitted by the producer, that the film is based on him and the criminal proceedings arising from the blackbuck incident in October 1998 and even the impugned promotional material unmistakably portrayed him, through his name, likeness, mannerisms, distinctive personal attributes, iconic films and widely publicised events associated with him. He submitted that the mere availability of the film’s teasers, posters and other promotional material across the country, including Delhi, was insufficient to confer territorial jurisdiction on the court. The application further stated that the plaint does not allege that the film or its promotional material specifically targeted audiences in Delhi or that Khan suffered any distinct injury within the national capital.
