Bangla Press Desk: Legal complications have intensified surrounding the film *Kala Hiran: Battle for Legacy*, which is based on the 1998 blackbuck poaching case involving Bollywood actor Salman Khan. Salman had previously approached the court seeking to halt the film's release and promotion.
Now, the film's producer, Amit Jani, has challenged the Delhi High Court's jurisdiction in the matter. In response to his plea, the court has issued a notice seeking Salman's stance.
On Friday (October 9), the bench of Justice Tejash Karia issued the notice, asking for Salman's reply regarding the producer's application. The next hearing for the case has been scheduled for December 16.
Producer Amit Jani contends that the Delhi High Court lacks the territorial jurisdiction to hear and adjudicate the case filed by Salman Khan; therefore, he argues, the actor's petition should be dismissed.
The producer's counsel argued in court that Salman resides in Mumbai, while Amit Jani lives in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Neither party is a resident of the Delhi High Court's jurisdiction, nor do they conduct business operations there. The counsel further argued that the mere fact that the film's teaser, posters, and other promotional materials were released in Delhi does not grant the court jurisdiction to hear the case.
Earlier, Salman Khan had sought to stop the release and promotion of *Kala Hiran: Battle for Legacy*. He alleged that the film is being made based on the widely discussed 1998 blackbuck poaching case and various events from his personal life. The actor claimed that the film portrays him by utilizing elements such as his name, mannerisms, speech patterns, and the familiar ambiance of his popular movies.
According to Salman, he has been acquitted in three of the four cases related to the blackbuck poaching incident, while the relevant appeals remain pending before the Rajasthan High Court and the Supreme Court. He expressed concern that a dramatized depiction of the legal proceedings in the film could prejudice his right to a fair trial. Salman also alleged that the film's teaser hints at portraying him as a criminal. According to him, such a depiction could damage his image and influence the ongoing legal proceedings.
However, following a new application by the producer, the case has now essentially evolved into a dispute regarding the court's jurisdiction. The future course of the case depends on Salman's response to the Delhi High Court and the court's decision at the subsequent hearing.
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