The Bombay High Court on Wednesday refused to lift the interim stay on the release of the film Shaadi Ke Director Karan aur Johar, ruling that the title prima facie infringes upon filmmaker Karan Johar’s personality and publicity rights.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice MS Karnik upheld the stay previously granted by Justice RI Chagla in March and dismissed the filmmakers’ appeal seeking to vacate the order.

Following the verdict, the film's producers requested permission to release the movie with a revised title. However, the Bench directed them to approach the single-judge bench with any such request.

Earlier, the Court had restrained the producers from using Johar’s name in the film’s title or promotional material, stating that such use could mislead audiences into believing that the filmmaker was associated with the project.

The interim stay was granted on June 13, 2024, after Johar filed a suit against the film's producers—IndiaPride Advisory, writer Sanjay Singh, and director Bablu Singh. Johar contended that the title exploited his name unlawfully, violating his personality and fundamental rights, and alleged that the filmmakers were attempting to capitalize on his goodwill and public image.

The Court had agreed with Johar’s argument, observing that the combination of the words "Karan", "Johar", and "Director" in the title could mislead viewers into thinking he was involved with the film. In its June 2024 order, the Court remarked:

“The Defendants are thus creating confusion in the minds of the public at large that the subject film is associated with the Plaintiff as the general public will identify and associate the use of the Plaintiff’s name ‘Karan Johar’ with the title of the subject film solely upon becoming aware of the subject film.”

Justice Chagla had also granted the filmmakers the liberty to return to the Court with appropriate requests. However, on March 7, 2025, the single judge rejected their application to vacate the stay, emphasizing that changing “Karan Johar” to “Karan aur Johar” in the dialogues would not resolve the core issue. He concluded that the filmmakers were still attempting to "ride upon the goodwill and reputation" of Johar.

The appeal before the Division Bench followed this dismissal.

Karan Johar was represented by Senior Advocate Zal Andhyarujina and a team from DSK Legal, including advocates Rashmin Khandekar, Parag Khandhar, Pranita Saboo, Anaheeta Verma, Pratyusha Dhodda, and Shayan Bisney.

Advocate Ashok Saraogi appeared for writer Sanjay Singh, along with advocates Anand Mishra, Sushil Upadhyay, Amit Dubey, and Siddharth Singh.