Karan Johar Wins Legal Battle, Court Bars Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar Release

News18

07-05-2025

Last Updated:
The Bombay High Court upheld a judgment refusing to lift the stay on 'Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar', finding it likely infringed on Karan Johar's personality rights.
The Bombay High Court has decided not to lift the ban on the film Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar, saying that it wrongly uses filmmaker Karan Johar's name. The court said this could harm his reputation and take unfair advantage of his fame.
The court's latest decision, made on Wednesday (May 7, 2025), supports an earlier order from March 7, 2025, which had stopped the film's release. That earlier order was based on a case filed by Johar, who said he had nothing to do with the film and never gave the makers permission to use his name.
A panel of two judges, Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Makarand Karnik, agreed that the filmmakers seemed to be using Johar's name and image to attract attention and make money, which is not allowed without consent.
In a previous order, Justice Riyaz Chagla had pointed out that the film's title clearly refers to Johar, especially since the characters are called 'Karan' and 'Johar' and are shown as Bollywood directors, just like him in real life. He said that this looked like a clear attempt to link the film with Johar and profit from his name.
Johar's lawyers argued that his name is well-known in the film industry and has become a brand. They said the film was trying to use this brand without permission, which is unfair and illegal. They also said the trailers and posters had already caused damage to his image.
The court agreed that only Karan Johar has the right to use his name for business, and others can't use it without his approval. A copy of the latest court ruling will be shared soon.
First Published:
May 07, 2025, 15:44 IST