'Kala Hiran' row: Delhi HC defers Salman Khan's plea hearing
What's the story
The Delhi High Court has postponed the hearing of Bollywood actor Salman Khan's plea against the upcoming film Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy. The vacation bench of Justice Madhu Jain deferred the hearing after filmmakers' counsel requested time to respond to Khan's application, reported ANI. Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi, representing Khan, argued that the filmmakers are trying to commercially exploit his life without consent.
Legal proceedings
'No right to make a film...': Sethi argued
Sethi told the court, "He is producing a film on my life and tearing up the notice. He has no right to make a film of my life. I am seeking an interim injunction. The teaser has already been released." The filmmakers' counsel sought time to respond, stating he had only received a copy of the application on Wednesday. However, Sethi opposed this request, arguing that respondents had been duly served and an affidavit of service had been filed already.
Counterclaims
Producer alleged death threats over the film
During the proceedings, the filmmakers' counsel claimed to have been receiving death threats and filed an FIR regarding this. Meanwhile, Sethi argued that promotional material related to the film had already been released, and respondents cannot continue using Khan's identity without authorization. The court has now listed the matter before the roster bench on July 1.
Allegations
Khan seeks to restrain release, promotion of 'Kala Hiran'
Khan's application seeks to restrain the release and promotion of Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy, alleging it infringes his personality and publicity rights. The actor claims the film is based on events related to the 1998 blackbuck hunting case. He argues that even though his name isn't explicitly mentioned, posters, promotional material, and statements from those involved with the project make him easily identifiable.
Misrepresentation
Plea states film misrepresents his legal standing
The plea points to a poster released in May 2026, showing a character resembling Khan wearing a bracelet similar to the actor's signature blue bracelet. It also claims the character is holding a gun despite Khan's acquittal in Arms Act proceedings, thus misrepresenting his legal standing. Khan has also claimed that parts of the film appear to be based on matters pending before higher courts and their publication may prejudice ongoing proceedings and affect his right to a fair trial.
Exploitation
Respondents in the proceedings
The application also cites interviews, social media posts, and public statements allegedly made by producer Amit Jani linking the project to the blackbuck case and gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Khan argues such references are aimed at generating publicity by exploiting his identity and public persona. The respondents in the proceedings include producer Jani, Jani FireFox Films, director Bharat Shrinate, Akshay Pandey, and others associated with the project. The film does not have a release date yet.