Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam’s upcoming film Haq has landed in legal trouble just days before its much-awaited release. The movie, inspired by the historic Shah Bano case, is now facing a lawsuit filed by Shah Bano’s family over alleged privacy violations and lack of consent.
On November 3, Siddiqua Begum Khan, daughter of Shah Bano Begum, submitted a petition to the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The complaint claimed that the filmmakers failed to obtain the family’s approval before making the movie and that Haq misrepresents key aspects of Shah Bano’s personal life. The petition also seeks an immediate stay on the film’s release, screening, and promotions, which are scheduled to begin on November 7.
According to the family’s lawyer, Tauseef Warsi, the filmmakers violated the right to privacy. “The movie is based on the landmark case of M.A. Khan vs Shah Bano Begum. It is mandatory to take consent before using someone’s personal life or name,” he told Indian media.
Jubair Ahmad Khan, Shah Bano’s grandson, said the family only became aware of Haq after the teaser was released. “Many facts shown in the teaser are distorted. Our private family issue has been turned into entertainment,” he added.
The producers, represented by lawyer Ajay Bagadiya, defended the project, saying that Haq is a fictionalized interpretation inspired by real events. “Certain creative liberties have been taken for cinematic purposes,” he said.
Directed by Suparn S Verma, Haq explores women’s rights and maintenance laws in India, reflecting on the landmark 1985 judgment in the Shah Bano case. The controversy surrounding the film has generated significant attention, potentially influencing its release strategy and audience response.
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