Madhya Pradesh High Court Dismisses Petition Against Film Inspired by Shah Bano Case
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ruled against a petition aimed at stopping the release of the film 'Haq', which is inspired by the historic Shah Bano case. The court stated that the reputation and privacy of an individual end with their life, and consent from heirs is not required for depicting the deceased's life. This ruling clears the way for the film, which highlights the struggles of divorced Muslim women in India following a landmark 1985 Supreme Court decision. The film features Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi in lead roles, and its release is now confirmed.
| Nov 6, 2025, 22:28 IST
Court Ruling on Shah Bano Case Film
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has recently rejected a petition filed by the daughter of Shah Bano Begum. This petition sought to halt the release of the Hindi film ‘Haq,’ which features Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi in lead roles. The film draws inspiration from the notable Shah Bano case, a landmark ruling from 1985 concerning the rights of divorced Muslim women.
According to reports, Siddika Begum Khan, Shah Bano's daughter, claimed that the film was produced without her family's consent and misrepresented her late mother's personal life. She further alleged that the film infringes on her family's privacy and exploits her mother's image for commercial gain.
However, Justice Pranay Verma of the Indore bench dismissed the petition, stating that an individual's reputation or privacy ceases with their life and cannot be inherited like property. The court emphasized that consent from legal heirs is not necessary for content based on the private life of a deceased person.
It is noteworthy that the Supreme Court's 1985 ruling paved the way for divorced Muslim women to claim maintenance rights, sparking nationwide discussions. The film ‘Haq’ now aims to portray that struggle on screen, with legal hurdles now resolved.