Shah Bano's family moves court against Emraan-Yami's 'Haq' release
What's the story
The legal heirs of Shah Bano Begum have filed a petition in the Indore High Court seeking an immediate stay on the release of the upcoming film Haq, reported News18. The film stars Yami Gautam Dhar and Emraan Hashmi and is set to premiere on November 7. The family members claim that the movie hurts Muslim sentiments and misrepresents Sharia law. They also allege that the makers have no legal rights from them.
Legal action
Legal notice issued to 'Haq' makers
India Today reported earlier that a legal notice was issued to the makers of Haq, asking them to halt the film. The notice alleges unauthorized depiction of Begum's personal life without the consent of her legal heirs. It also cites defamation and violation of personality and publicity rights. Lawyer Tousif Z Warsi, representing Begum's family, told India Today that they want details about the storyline and theme of the movie before it is released.
Film inspiration
More about the film 'Haq'
Haq is reportedly inspired by the 1985 Supreme Court ruling in the Mohd. Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano Begum case, which recognized a Muslim woman's right to maintenance under Indian law. The film is based on journalist Jigna Vora's book Bano: Bharat Ki Beti and explores the legal, emotional, and societal turmoil surrounding this case. Meanwhile, director Suparn Verma recently told Mid-Day that Haq is not an adaptation of Bano's landmark case but a fictional work inspired by multiple cases.
Defense
'We are not maligning any community': Hashmi
Hashmi recently told ANI, "I read the script of this film, I saw it from the perspective of a creative actor, but for the first time in my career, I had to see that there is a sensitivity regarding a community." "I don't know what people will say...but as a liberal Muslim, I can say that I had no problems with the viewpoint of the film." "We are not maligning any community, if we were...I wouldn't have done this film."
About the case
Meanwhile, know more about the case
In 1985, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Bano, a 62-year-old Muslim woman who was divorced through triple talaq and denied maintenance by her former husband, Mohammed Ahmed Khan. It became a landmark judgment in Indian women's rights. The case highlighted the need for gender justice and equality within the framework of Islamic personal law. Bano passed away in 1992 due to a brain hemorrhage.