The Delhi high court on July 27 directed removal of the teaser and several online links related to the upcoming Kala Hiran: The Battle For Legacy, observing that the material prime facie linked actor Salman Khan with the 1998 black buck case of Rajasthan and it could adversely affect his reputation. Hearing Salman’s application seeking an interim injunction against the release, promotion and publicity of the film, Justice Jyoti Singh indicated that the interviews given by the film’s producer, Amit Jain, would be directed to be taken down.
Although a detailed order will be passed later, the HC expressed concern over the impact of the promotional campaign on an individual’s reputation and said, “Reputation once lost is lost.” The judge also expressed that the promotional material of the film appeared to connect Khan with the Lawrence Bishnoi controversy.
The actor’s counsels told the court that the film’s teaser, posters and other promotional material unmistakably identify the actor despite not naming him directly. Salman Khan has contended that the proposed film is based on the 1998 black buck hunting case and falsely portrays events associated with him, causing serious prejudice to his reputation. He also argued that the film seeks to commercially exploit his identity and public persona without his consent.