Bombay HC Halts Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar Over Karan Johar’s Personality Rights Violation
The Bombay High Court has halted the release of Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar, ruling that its title and content infringe upon filmmaker Karan Johar’s personality, privacy, and brand rights. Johar, who had sent a cease-and-desist notice to the filmmakers in June 2024, argued that the movie falsely associates him with its content, including alleged defamatory remarks. The court agreed, stating that unauthorised use of his name misleads the public and could damage his reputation. Despite a countersuit from the producers, who claimed Johar’s objections were last-minute, the court upheld the injunction, asserting that a CBFC certification does not override an individual’s legal rights. (read order here and see here for more )
Delhi HC Bars Azure Hospitality from Playing PPL Songs Without License
The Delhi High Court has restrained Azure Hospitality, which owns restaurant chains like Mamagoto and Sly Granny, from playing songs owned by Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) without a valid license. The court affirmed that PPL, as the copyright owner, has the right to grant licenses under Section 30 of the Copyright Act, even though it is not a registered copyright society. It clarified that Section 33(1) applies only when copyright owners have assigned their rights to a society. Azure did not deny playing PPL’s songs, leading the court to rule in favor of PPL and barring any further unauthorized use until the suit’s final resolution. (Read order here and see here for more)
Supreme Court Calls for Online Content Regulations, Extends Protection to YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia
The Supreme Court has allowed Ranveer Allahbadia to continue his podcast, BeerBiceps, on the condition that he “maintains decency”. The court urged the Union government to introduce limited regulations to restrict vulgar content in online media while upholding content creators’ freedom of expression. It noted “Regarding the telecast of programs not aligning with societal moral standards, some regulatory measures may be necessary. We have suggested to the solicitor general of India to propose such measures that balance free speech with the protection of fundamental rights under Article 19. Any draft regulatory measure will be made public for stakeholder suggestions before any legislative or judicial action is taken.” (See here for more and read order here)
Urvashi Rautela Under Fire again for Endorsing Illegal Betting Platforms
The Real Money Gaming (RMG) industry is demanding legal action against actress Urvashi Rautela for promoting illegal gambling site 1xBet, despite clear government restrictions. This isn’t her first controversy—she previously faced backlash for endorsing Lotus365 and Mahadev Online Book. With major sports events approaching, illegal betting firms aggressively advertise, often using celebrity endorsements. Experts warn that endorsers, publishers, and facilitators could face action under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and state gaming laws. (see here for more)
Madras HC Lifts Ban on Vikatan Website, Subject to Cartoon’s Removal
The Madras High Court has directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to lift its ban on Tamil media house Vikatan’s website, provided it temporarily removes the controversial cartoon of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that triggered the block. The court will assess whether the caricature falls under artistic and journalistic freedom or violates Section 69A of the IT Act. For context, Vikatan’s site was blocked on February 15, days after it published a cartoon criticising Modi’s meeting with Donald Trump, linking it to Indian deportations from the U.S. The media house was not notified before the ban and is now exploring legal options. (see here for more.)
CBFC Urges Removal of Malayalam Film Marco from Streaming Platforms
Following multiple complaints about Marco glorifying violence, the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) regional office has recommended that the I&B Ministry direct streamers to remove the Malayalam film from its platform. As per the news reports, CBFC regional officer Nadeem Thufail confirmed that while Marco was certified ‘A’, its television premiere was barred due to extreme violence. Despite its box office success, Marco has sparked debate over cinematic violence. Producer Shareef Muhammed acknowledged concerns and vowed to tone down violence in his next film, Kaattalan. However, he maintained that Marco was never meant to influence audiences negatively. (see here for more)
Delhi High Court Halts Investigation into ‘Shamshera’ Copyright Infringement Allegations Against Yash Raj Films and Aditya Chopra
The Delhi High Court has ordered a stay on the investigation against Yash Raj Films Private Limited and its director, Aditya Chopra, concerning allegations of copyright infringement related to the movie “Shamshera.” The FIR, filed on May 1, 2024, accused the filmmakers of violating Section 63 of the Copyright Act and Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code. Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani observed that the essential elements of these offences were not evident, and continuing the investigation could lead to unnecessary harassment. The complaint was lodged by Bikramjeet Singh Bhullar, who claimed that “Shamshera” infringed upon his copyrighted script, “Kabu na chhadein Khet,” conceived in 2006. The court has issued a notice to the Delhi Police, requesting a status report on the matter.
Read order here.
Supreme Court Grants Interim Relief to Pune’s ‘Burger King’ in Trademark Dispute
The Supreme Court of India has provided interim relief to Pune’s renowned ‘Burger King’ eatery by staying the Bombay High Court’s order that had restrained it from using the ‘Burger King’ trademark. The dispute originated when the U.S.-based Burger King Corporation, established in 1954 and among the world’s largest fast-food chains, filed a trademark infringement suit in 2011 against the Pune establishment, which has been operating under the ‘Burger King’ name since 1992. In August 2024, a Pune District Court dismissed the U.S. company’s suit, recognizing the local eatery as the prior user of the trademark in India. However, the Bombay High Court later stayed this decision and imposed a restraint on the Pune outlet’s use of the name. The recent Supreme Court order now allows the Pune-based ‘Burger King’ to continue its operations under the contested trademark while the legal proceedings continue.
Read more here.
Delhi High Court Restrains Unauthorized Use of ‘Chotiwala’ Trademark, Awards Damages
The Delhi High Court has issued a permanent injunction against entities infringing upon the trademark and copyright of Chotiwala, a renowned restaurant from Rishikesh. The ruling prohibits the unauthorized use of the ‘Chotiwala’ name or any similar variation, recognizing the brand’s distinct identity and goodwill. Additionally, the court has awarded damages to the rightful owner, reinforcing legal protections against trademark misappropriation.
Read order here.
