Fictionalised Portrayal of Shah Bano Case Not Infringement of Privacy: Madhya Pradesh High Court

The Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed a plea by Shah Bano’s daughter seeking to restrain the release of the film Haq, inspired by the landmark 1985 Shah Bano judgment.

The Court held that the movie, presented as a fictionalised adaptation with a disclaimer, did not amount to false portrayal or invasion of privacy.

The Court observed that the film’s content was based on public records, and privacy and reputational rights do not survive after death.

The Court also noted that the petitioner failed to avail of the alternative statutory remedy before the Centre and approached the Court belatedly.

[Siddiqua Begum Khan v Union of India]