Sanchita
It seemed that Gangubai Kathiawadi movie had landed in legal trouble even before releasing.
A case had been filed against Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Alia Bhatt and ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’ author Hussain Zaidi, on whose book the film is based.
What Was The Case?
The suit had been started by the 74-year-old Babuji Rawji Shah, who claimed to be the late Gangubai’s adopted son. He had alleged that the chapter on Gangubai Kathiawadi in the ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’ was defamatory, tarnished her reputation and infringed upon his deceased mother’s right to privacy and self-respect.
As per India Today report, Shah had sought a restraining order against publishing and circulation of the book. He had also demanded a permanent injunction to stop writers, filmmakers from producing, directing or airing promo of any film based on ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’ novel.
Babuji also claimed that no information or permission had been sought from him or any other family members, before writing the novel or making the film!
What Happened In Court?
Mumbai City Civil Court has now dismissed Babuji Shah’s suit seeking a restraining order against Bhansali Productions, Alia Bhatt and Mafia Queens of Mumbai author Hussain Zaidi.
Filmmaker Sanjay had filed a notice of motion on behalf of Bhansali Productions and Alia and sought rejection of the complaint on the grounds that the “suit is barred by limitation since the novel was published in the year 2011 and the suit was filed only in December 2020.”
The filmmaker’s lawyer further argued that Shah “didn’t submit any proof to substantiate his claim that he is Kathiawadi’s adopted son nor show any evidence as to how the legal requirements of adoption were not complied with.”
He further stated, “Shah does not have any locus standi to file the present suit and there is no cause of action.”
And lastly, Bhansali also defended Alia from being added to the complaint, saying that she was merely an artist in the project and was not involved in the production.
After hearing all sides, Judge RM Sadrani ruled in favour of Bhansali Productions’ ‘notice of motion and rejected the complaint filed by Shah. A detailed order is awaited.
