The Delhi High Court on 27 July directed the removal of social media links promoting the upcoming film 'Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy' from X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, acting on a petition filed by actor Salman Khan over alleged violations of his personality rights. The court's order came during a hearing that saw the bench sharply rebuke the film's producer.

Court's Rebuke to the Producer

The Delhi High Court pulled up film producer Amit Jani, noting that he appeared to be drawing confidence from the absence of any order in the previous hearing. The bench told Jani directly: 'You seem to think you are above the law. Things are only getting worse day by day. You cannot do this even to an ordinary citizen.'

The court's remarks signal an escalating tone of judicial impatience, suggesting that Jani's conduct since the last hearing had not helped his case.

What the Producer's Side Argued

Jani's counsel pushed back, contending that the content in question was merely a teaser and did not explicitly name Salman Khan. 'This is only a teaser. How does it violate Salman Khan's personality rights? I am not even taking his name,' the counsel submitted.

The defence further argued that the teaser contained no deepfake or AI-generated footage, and invoked the principle that there is no legal protection over public events or public performances.

Salman Khan's Submissions

Counsel for Salman Khan told the court that in three of the four legal cases referenced in the teaser, Khan had been acquitted, while the sentence in the fourth case had been stayed. The counsel argued that the teaser was designed to inflame sentiment against Khan within a specific community — a claim the court appeared to take seriously given the direction that followed.

About the Film and Its Controversy

The film 'Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy' is directed by Bharat S. Shrinet and produced by Amit Jani. Its teaser, unveiled on 17 July, was laden with references to Khan's films 'Dabangg' and 'Sikander'. The film is reportedly inspired by Salman Khan's 1998 blackbuck poaching case — which involves the alleged illegal hunting of two endangered blackbucks in October 1998 during the filming of 'Hum Saath-Saath Hain' near Jodhpur, Rajasthan — and reportedly portrays his alleged rivalry with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

What Happens Next

With the court ordering the removal of promotional links, the film's digital rollout faces an immediate setback. The matter is likely to be heard again, with the court's patience with the producer visibly wearing thin. The case is being watched as a significant test of personality rights jurisprudence in India, particularly around how courts treat biographical or inspired films involving living public figures.