HC allows Prakash Jha to release film 'Satyagraha'

Image
Press Trust of India Mumbai
Last Updated : Aug 28 2013 | 6:55 PM IST
Decks have been cleared for the release of Amitabh Bachchan-starrer 'Satyagraha' this Friday with the Bombay High Court refusing to stay the film's exhibition while hearing a suit filed by a producer claiming he was the original copyright owner of the movie's title.
Justice S J Kathawala allowed Prakash Jha, producer of 'Satyagraha', to go ahead with the film's release on August 30 as he felt no case had been made out by the plaintiff for an ad-interim relief to stay the film's exhibition.
Rajesh Mishra of M/s Narayani productions had filed a suit claiming he had first registered the title 'Satyagraha' with Indian Film and TV Producers Council (formerly Association of Motion Pictures and TV Programme Producers). Hence, Mishra said, he was the owner of the title and it could not have been given to Prakash Jha.
However, the Council, which was asked to appear today in this case, pointed out that Mishra's registration had lapsed, following which Jha approached them and got the title.
The plaintiff alleged 'Satyagraha' director Prakash Jha and his film production company had illegally used the title and that defendants be restrained by an order to use it.
He argued the title had been lifted by Jha without his permission and it would cause him irreparable harm unless he was suitably compensated with money.
Mishra alleged the title of the feature film had been snatched by manoeuvring practice and procedure and by adopting cheating and criminal breach of trust by the defendants.
He said he reserved his right to file criminal cases of cheating and criminal breach of trust against the defendants and office-bearers of the Indian Film and TV Producers Council, which has been made a respondent.
When the title was registered with the Council, how did they give the same title to Jha and his company? the plaintiff sought to know.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Aug 28 2013 | 6:55 PM IST

Next Story