The Delhi High Court has directed the removal of online teaser links related to the proposed film Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy, after actor Salman Khan argued that the promotional material unlawfully used his personality and could prejudice the ongoing criminal proceedings connected to the 1998 alleged blackbuck poaching case.
Hearing the matter on Monday, Justice Jyoti Singh said the Court would pass an order requiring the producer to remove the teaser and related content from social media within 24 hours. The Court also indicated that if the producer failed to comply, online platforms such as X and YouTube could be directed to take down the content.
Background of the Case
The dispute arose in a pending civil suit filed by Salman Khan seeking protection of his personality rights. During the proceedings, the actor also challenged the proposed release of Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy, alleging that the film was clearly based on the 1998 alleged blackbuck hunting case, which remains pending before higher courts.
According to the plea, the film's promotional material featured a character bearing a close resemblance to Khan and wearing a bracelet widely associated with him. The actor also claimed that the publicity surrounding the film suggested links between him and the underworld, which he described as defamatory.
The application further stated that despite a legal notice being sent to the filmmakers, producer Amit Jani allegedly dismissed it publicly and continued promoting the film through interviews and social media posts.
Court's Observations
After briefly watching the teaser in court, Justice Jyoti Singh expressed serious concern over the content being circulated while related criminal proceedings remain pending.
The Court observed,
"Reputation is built with great effort; once it's lost, it's lost. Even if this is played for 24 hours, someone suffers."
The judge also criticised the conduct of the producer, remarking,
"What kind of contents are these... Every minute it is on public domain it is harming the reputation of the plaintiff."
During the hearing, counsel for the producer argued that the teaser neither named Salman Khan nor used artificial intelligence or deepfake technology. It was also submitted that the film merely referred to public events and did not infringe the actor's rights.
On behalf of Salman Khan, senior counsel argued that the teaser unmistakably referred to the actor and could affect his right to a fair trial since proceedings relating to the alleged blackbuck case are still pending.
The Court also questioned the role of internet intermediaries, observing that online platforms may also have responsibilities when allegedly infringing material continues to remain available.
Court's Decision
The Delhi High Court directed Salman Khan's legal team to submit a tabulated list of all allegedly infringing links. Justice Jyoti Singh said the Court would pass an order directing the producer to remove the teaser and related interviews within 24 hours, failing which social media platforms, including X and YouTube, would be directed to take down the content.
Case Details
Case Title: Salman Khan v. John Doe & Others
Judge: Justice Jyoti Singh
Decision Date: 27 July 2026
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