Bollywood actor Salman Khan has issued a legal notice seeking an immediate halt to the development of a film that is allegedly inspired by the black buck poaching case associated with him, citing defamation, violation of personality rights and interference with the administration of justice.
In a cease-and-desist notice, Khan’s lawyers asked casting director Akshay Pandey to stop all work on a proposed film tentatively titled Kala Hiran. The notice alleges that the project draws from a sub judice matter and presents a “sensationalised and speculative” narrative that could prejudice the actor’s right to a fair trial.
“The creation of sensationalised and speculative content concerning a sub-judice matter effectively results in a trial by media, causing prejudice to our client and undermining the judicial process,” read the legal notice reviewed by ETLegalWorld.
According to the legal notice, any direct or indirect portrayal of Khan’s persona or alleged events connected to him would infringe his personality, privacy, and publicity rights. The actor has also accused the filmmakers of attempting to ride on his goodwill and reputation built over decades, and of making defamatory imputations by implying culpability in a matter that remains under judicial consideration.
Khan has demanded that the filmmakers immediately cease developing, producing, or publicising any content linked to him, and has sought an unconditional written apology within 24 hours of receipt of the notice. The actor has reserved his right to initiate civil and criminal proceedings, including claims for damages, if the demands are not met.
Producer of the movie, Amit Jani, to ETLegalWorld, commenting on this development, said, “The production house is free to make a film on any subject that is in the public domain.” Further on the reply, Sources from the production house privy to this development said, “They are reviewing legal options.”
On behalf of Salman Khan, DSK Legal has served a cease-and-desist notice on casting director Akshay Pandey.
