HC asks CCI to decide dispute between Yash Raj, Devgn's firms

"The Competition Commission Of India (CCI) should hear and pass the order expeditiously so that it becomes an efficacious order," Justice Rajiv Shakdher said and disposed of the plea of the production house headed by Devgn, who also plays the lead actor in "Son of Sardar".

The court, however, refused to set a time frame for hearing and the decision on the complaint, saying, "We cannot have a sword hanging over the head of a tribunal."

The remarks came after senior advocate Rajiv Nayar, appearing for Devgn's firm, said, "Both films are releasing on Diwali on November 13 and some kind of directions are needed (for CCI) as advance booking are to open also."

Earlier, Ajay Devgn Films had filed a complaint in CCI alleging Yash Raj Films, headed by legendary late Yash Chopra, had used its dominant position which has led to a situation where Devgn's movie are not finding enough single screen theatres.

"Respondent No 2 (Yash Raj) has already taken a commitment from them (theatre owners) at the time of the release of the respondent's film 'Ek Tha Tiger' that the film 'Ek Tha Tiger' is licensed to them only on the condition that the Yash Raj Film scheduled for Diwali shall also be exhibited by them and that during Diwali of 2012 they should not take up any other film," the petition alleged. (More)