Shah Bano’s Daughter Takes Legal Action Against Haq for ‘Unauthorized’ Portrayal in MP High Court
Siddiqua Begum Khan, the daughter and legal heir of Shah Bano Begum, has taken legal action against the upcoming film Haq, which is set to release on November 7, 2025. The film, featuring Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam, is inspired by the landmark 1985 Supreme Court case that established maintenance rights for divorced Muslim women in India. Siddiqua’s petition to the Madhya Pradesh High Court claims that the filmmakers did not obtain consent from Shah Bano’s heirs and argues that the film misrepresents her mother’s life, leading to unauthorized exploitation of her legacy.
Legal Action Against Film Release
Siddiqua Begum Khan’s petition highlights significant concerns regarding the portrayal of her mother in Haq. She asserts that the filmmakers failed to secure the necessary consent before depicting Shah Bano’s personal life, which she claims distorts real-life events and personalities. The legal action aims to prevent the film’s release, arguing that it constitutes unauthorized commercial exploitation of Shah Bano’s legacy. Siddiqua emphasizes that the film could inflict emotional trauma on her family by publicly exposing her mother’s struggles, potentially harming their dignity and reputation.
During the court proceedings, Siddiqua’s legal team argued that the film infringes on her inherited moral and personality rights. They contend that the unauthorized representation of Shah Bano’s life violates her family’s privacy and dignity. The petition also raises concerns about the film’s compliance with the Cinematograph Act, 1952, which prohibits the certification of films that defame individuals or breach their privacy.
Filmmakers Defend Their Position
In response to the allegations, the producers of Haq, represented by Junglee Films and their legal counsel, defended the film’s content. They argued that the film includes a disclaimer stating it is a fictional work and not a biopic. This disclaimer, they claim, exempts them from the obligation to seek consent from Shah Bano’s heirs. The court has requested that the filmmakers present this disclaimer for review, as it plays a crucial role in determining the film’s compliance with privacy laws.
Siddiqua’s lawyer clarified that the objection is not against the depiction of the Supreme Court judgment itself, which is a matter of public record. Instead, the concern lies with the fictionalized portrayal of Shah Bano’s personal life and hardships. The court’s inquiry into the disclaimer and the filmmakers’ arguments will be pivotal in deciding the case’s outcome.
Court Proceedings and Future Hearings
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has adjourned the matter for further hearings after reviewing the disclaimer and other pleadings. Siddiqua had previously issued a legal notice to the film’s producers, who reportedly did not respond adequately, prompting her to seek judicial intervention. The petition also calls for the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to revoke the censor certificate granted for the film until proper consent is obtained.
As the legal battle unfolds, the implications for the film’s release and its portrayal of historical figures remain uncertain. The court’s decision will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how filmmakers approach the depiction of real-life personalities and events in cinema.
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