Bombay High Court Upholds Stay on 'Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar' Movie Release

The Bombay High Court has upheld the stay on the release of a movie, tentatively titled ‘Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar’ or ‘Shaadi Ke Director Karan Johar’, stating that the name infringes upon filmmaker Karan Johar's personality and publicity rights. The court dismissed the appeal filed by Sanjay Singh, the maker of the movie, challenging a March order that granted a stay on the film’s release. Karan Johar filed a plea against the film using his name, which the single Bench had passed the order on. The High Court said that Karan Johar has garnered immense goodwill and reputation in the entertainment industry in India and globally. The court also noted that Karan Johar's name has become his brand name, giving him the economic right to commercially exploit the same. The High Court said that public figures, including celebrities, are entitled to protection of their personality and publicity rights, and can claim protection against unauthorized commercial exploitation by third parties.