In a significant win for filmmaker Karan Johar, the Bombay High Court has firmly upheld a stay on the release of the movie tentatively titled “Shaadi Ke Director–Karan Aur Johar” or “Shaadi Ke Director Karan Johar.” The court ruled that the title of the film infringes upon Johar’s personality and publicity rights, dismissing an appeal filed by the movie’s maker, Sanjay Singh. This decision reaffirms an earlier order from a single bench of the High Court, which had initially granted the stay following a plea by Karan Johar himself.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice M S Karnik stated unequivocally that Karan Johar has earned “immense goodwill and reputation” within the entertainment industry, both in India and across the globe. The court emphasized that Johar’s name has transcended mere identity, acquiring the status of a brand. Using “Karan” and “Johar” together in a title, the bench reasoned, directly points towards the renowned celebrity and filmmaker, Karan Johar.
The High Court further elaborated that since Karan Johar’s name has become his brand, he possesses the economic right to commercially exploit it at his discretion. The bench asserted, “The name ‘Karan Johar’ is solely associated with the respondent No 1 (Karan Johar) and forms a germane part of his personality and brand name.”
The court underscored that Indian legal precedent has consistently recognized the personality and publicity rights of public figures, including celebrities. As a prominent figure, Karan Johar is entitled to protect these rights against unauthorized commercial exploitation by third parties.
The High Court also rejected the argument from Sanjay Singh, the film’s maker, who offered to insert the word “aur” (and) between “Karan” and “Johar” in the movie title. The bench opined that any combination using the two names would still likely create confusion among the public. “The appellant (Singh) cannot be allowed to exploit the reputation and goodwill of the respondent (Johar) in this manner,” the court added.
Karan Johar had initially approached the court, stating that he had no connection with the film and that the unauthorized use of his name in the title was a deliberate attempt to capitalize on his established reputation and goodwill. He argued that this infringed upon his personality rights, right to publicity, and right to privacy. The single-judge bench had earlier agreed, noting a “strong prima facie” case in favor of Johar.
The recent order from the division bench further solidifies this stance, preventing the release of the film under its current or slightly modified title, reinforcing the legal protection afforded to the brand value associated with celebrity names.
Key Highlights:
- The Bombay High Court upheld a stay on the release of “Shaadi Ke Director–Karan Aur Johar,” stating the title violates Karan Johar’s rights.
- The court recognized “Karan Johar” as a brand name with economic value.
- It emphasized the protection of personality and publicity rights for celebrities.
- The court rejected the filmmaker’s offer to modify the title by adding “aur.”