Breaking News: Controversy Surrounds Film on Sushant Singh Rajput as Father Appeals Privacy Violation
The ongoing controversy surrounding the film Nyay: The Justice, based on the life of late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput, has taken a new turn as his father appeals against the alleged violation of privacy rights. Sushant Singh Rajput, aged 34, was tragically found dead in his Mumbai apartment on June 14, 2020, leading to widespread speculation and debate.
Last month, a single judge dismissed an application by Rajput’s father, claiming that the film made defamatory statements and violated the personality rights associated with his son. Advocate Varun Singh, representing the appellant, argued that the film not only infringed upon the personality rights of the deceased star but also invaded the privacy of the family members, an assertion vehemently opposed by the senior counsel representing the film’s makers. Their counterargument was that the right to privacy does not extend beyond a person’s death.
Given the gravity of the matter, the court acknowledged that further consideration was warranted and ordered the respondents to file their replies to the appeal. In his plea, Rajput’s father expressed concern about the unauthorized production of movies, web series, and books that draw from his son’s life without proper consent. He underscored his absolute right to protect the reputation, privacy, and rights of his deceased son, as well as his own and that of his family members.
The appellant criticized the single judge for disregarding the law when dismissing the application seeking interim relief. On July 11, the single judge had ruled that the film was a retelling of Rajput’s life leading up to his tragic death and thus denied the interim relief, arguing that the rights being sought were inheritable rights of privacy, publicity, and personality, which ceased to exist after the actor’s demise. This application formed part of a larger lawsuit filed by Rajput’s father against the filmmakers for producing the movie without his consent.
Earlier this year, a single judge bench of the high court had refused to intervene and halt the film’s release. The next hearing for this case is scheduled for November 16.
Both sides of the argument offer valid points, with Rajput’s father asserting his rights to protect his son’s legacy and his grief-stricken family’s privacy. However, the film’s producers contend that posthumous privacy rights do not apply. As the case continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the court will weigh in on these complex issues.
This dispute underscores the challenges surrounding the intersection of artistic expression, individual rights, and the representation of real-life events in the film industry. With increasing scrutiny and demand for stories based on true events, it is crucial to strike a balance between creative freedom and respecting the wishes and legacy of those involved.
The upcoming court hearing on November 16 will provide further insight into the outcome of this legal battle, shedding light on the boundaries and implications of portraying real-life events and public figures in the entertainment industry.
