Haq Gets the Go-Ahead: MP High Court Clears Emraan Hashmi–Yami Gautam Film

The upcoming film Haq, inspired by the landmark Shah Bano Begum case, faced legal trouble just days before hitting theatres. Shah Bano’s daughter moved the Madhya Pradesh High Court, alleging that the makers had used her late mother’s story without consent and misrepresented key details.

What the Court Said

On Wednesday, Justice Pranay Verma of the Indore bench dismissed the petition, clearing Haq for its November 7 release. The court observed that the right to privacy and reputation does not survive after a person’s death and cannot be inherited by family members.

The judgment also took note of the disclaimer in the film, which clearly states that Haq is a fictional work inspired by true events. This, the court said, protects the filmmakers from allegations of misrepresentation as long as the portrayal isn’t malicious or defamatory.

Why This Case Matters

The verdict reaffirms that filmmakers have the right to interpret real events as creative works, provided they act responsibly. It sets a precedent for how Indian courts might treat similar claims over the depiction of historical or biographical figures.

Revisiting a Historic Case

The Shah Bano case of 1985 remains one of India’s most significant legal moments. When the Supreme Court ruled in favour of granting maintenance to Shah Bano, a divorced Muslim woman, it ignited national debate on personal law and women’s rights. The aftermath led to the passage of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986.

The Road Ahead for Haq

Now free from legal roadblocks, Haq, featuring Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam Dhar will release in theatres on schedule. The spotlight shifts from the courtroom to the audience, who will decide whether the film succeeds in balancing sensitivity, storytelling, and truth.