Overview
- Justice Pranay Verma dismissed the petition, noting the film’s disclaimer states it is a dramatized fiction inspired by the 1985 judgment and an adaptation of the book Bano: Bharat Ki Beti.
- The order cited Supreme Court jurisprudence that privacy and reputation do not survive a person’s death and affirmed that material drawn from public court records is legitimate for comment.
- The bench recorded that Haq holds a UA certificate from the CBFC and said the petitioner failed to use the statutory route to seek suspension or revocation before approaching the court.
- The court also found delay and laches, pointing out the plea was filed less than a week before the November 7 release despite prior publicity and certification.
- The ruling clears the film for its nationwide release, following advance endorsements from political and legal figures who praised its engagement with gender justice themes.