The Delhi High Court has issued notice to Salman Khan on a plea filed by producer Amit Jani seeking the return of the actor’s suit against the proposed film ‘Kala Hiran – The Battle For Legacy’, arguing that the court lacks territorial jurisdiction. According to a recent development, Justice Tejas Karia sought Khan’s response to the application, which challenges the court’s authority to hear the dispute over the film, reportedly inspired by the actor’s 1998 blackbuck poaching case.
Delhi High Court issues notice to Salman Khan in ‘Kala Hiran’ case
According to Live Law, Justice Tejas Karia sought Khan’s response to the application filed under Order VII Rule 10 read with Section 151 of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC).The proposed film is reportedly inspired by the 1998 blackbuck poaching case involving Khan. The actor has approached the court seeking to restrain its release, alleging that the film and its promotional material infringe upon his personality and publicity rights.The latest application does not amount to a ruling on whether the Delhi High Court has jurisdiction. The court has sought Khan’s response before considering the producer’s arguments.
Why has the producer challenged the Delhi High Court’s jurisdiction?
In his application, Jani has argued that neither Khan nor the defendants reside or conduct business within Delhi’s territorial jurisdiction. According to the producer, Khan resides in Mumbai, while the defendants are stated to reside or carry on business in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.Jani has also contended that the mere availability of the film’s teasers, posters and other promotional material across India, including Delhi, is insufficient to establish territorial jurisdiction.The application further argues that Khan’s suit does not establish that the film’s promotional campaign specifically targeted audiences in Delhi or that the actor suffered any distinct injury within the national capital.Jani has also opposed the request to restrain the film’s release, arguing that an injunction against a completed cinematographic work is an extraordinary remedy. He has maintained that a short teaser cannot provide a complete assessment of a film’s context or overall impact.These are the producer’s submissions before the court and have not been established as judicial findings.
Producer has also sought a stay on Salman Khan’s suit
The jurisdiction plea follows another application filed by Jani, on which the Delhi High Court issued notice earlier in the same week. That application seeks a stay on Khan’s suit on the grounds that substantially the same dispute is already pending before the court in an earlier proceeding.As reported by the afore mentioned publication, the producer has argued that the proceedings involve parallel litigation concerning the same proposed film, its promotional material and the alleged infringement of Khan’s personality or publicity rights.The latest development is part of the ongoing legal dispute between Khan and the makers of ‘Kala Hiran’. The actor’s suit seeks to prevent the film’s release, while the producer has challenged the maintainability and territorial jurisdiction of the proceedings.
‘Kala Hiran’ was earlier directed to remove its teaser and promotional material
The dispute has been before the Delhi High Court for several months. In July 2026, the court directed the removal of links to the film’s teaser and related promotional material following Khan’s objections. The actor had alleged that the film’s promotional content contained identifiable references to him and could create a misleading impression about events associated with the blackbuck case.The makers, however, have disputed the basis of Khan’s objections. In an earlier hearing in September, the producer’s side told the court that the film was not in a releasable state because it had not yet received certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The court recorded that submission.The current proceedings concern the producer’s applications challenging the continuation of Khan’s suit and the court’s territorial jurisdiction. The court has not, through the latest notice, finally decided either issue.
‘Kala Hiran – The Battle For Legacy’
‘Kala Hiran – The Battle For Legacy’ is a proposed film written by Amit Jani and directed by Bharat S Shrinate. It is stated to draw inspiration from the 1998 blackbuck poaching case involving Salman Khan, although the makers’ portrayal and the actor’s objections remain part of the ongoing dispute.The film’s listed cast includes Nikunj Aggarwal, Rishabh Arora, Rajesh Dahiya, Ram Gangwar, Naresh Gosain and Prakash Joshi.The project has attracted legal scrutiny over its subject matter and promotional material. Its release remains subject to the ongoing dispute and the certification process, with the producer previously telling the court that the film was not ready for release.
Salman Khan’s current work slate
Away from the ‘Kala Hiran’ dispute, Salman Khan’s upcoming film slate includes ‘Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace*, directed by Apoorva Lakhia. The film, initially announced as ‘Battle of Galwan’, is inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops and also stars Chitrangda Singh. As of October 2026, the film remains in post-production, with its final cut and CBFC certification still pending.Khan is also reportedly attached to an action drama tentatively referred to as ‘SVC63’, directed by Vamshi Paidipally and produced by Dil Raju. Reports have linked Nayanthara, Anil Kapoor and Arvind Swamy to the project, although details should be treated as subject to official confirmation. Khan is also hosting ‘Bigg Boss 20.Disclaimer: The information in this report is based on a legal hearing as reported by a third-party source. The details provided represent allegations made by the parties involved and are not proven facts. The case is ongoing, and a final verdict has not been reached. The publication does not claim that the allegations are true.
