The legal dispute over the upcoming movie Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy has taken a new turn. During a hearing at the Delhi High Court on July 1, 2026, the film’s producers said they have not yet sent the movie to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for approval. The court has now set the next hearing for July 6.
Justice Jyoti Singh heard the arguments in the case. Salman Khan is asking the court to stop the film’s release. His lawyers argued that the movie and its promotional material violate his personality rights and could harm his reputation.
The Key Statement in Court
During the hearing, the lawyer for the producers made a clear promise to the court.
“The movie has not been sent to the censor board. We will not send the movie to the censor board till Monday (July 6),” the producer’s counsel submitted before Justice Jyoti Singh.
The lawyer also said that a movie cannot legally be released without certification from the censor board. The court noted that the producers’ response to Khan’s plea was not yet officially on record, so it postponed the hearing.
Why Salman Khan is Opposing the Film
Salman Khan filed the plea in the Delhi High Court last month. He believes Kala Hiran is based on the 1998 blackbuck poaching case involving him. His legal team told the court that the film’s poster, released on May 29, clearly refers to him.
The actor pointed out specific details about the poster. He said a character in it looks like him and is wearing a blue bracelet that people always associate with Salman Khan.
“The character depicted has an uncanny resemblance to the plaintiff and is clearly seen wearing a bracelet, which is immediately and promptly identifiable with the plaintiff and no one else,” Khan’s plea stated.
Another major point in Khan’s argument is about a gun. The poster shows the character holding a firearm. Khan’s legal team said this is defamatory because he was acquitted in a case under the Arms Act. They also argued the movie is trying to create a false story that could mislead people.
Producer Amit Jani’s Response
Amit Jani, the producer of Kala Hiran, has not backed down. In court and on social media, he challenged Salman Khan’s claims. He said the actor still has not received any legal order stopping the film.
After the hearing on July 1, Jani wrote on X. He said no ban has been placed on the film and that the hearing is now set for July 6. He also made a strong statement about the film’s release plans.
“Salman Khan still hasn’t received relief from the Delhi High Court today, no ban on the film, hearing of the case adjourned till July 6,” Amit Jani posted on X.
Jani has also spoken to the media about the legal battle. He questioned whether courts should start reviewing films before the censor board does. According to Jani, if that happens, every filmmaker would have to go to court before making a movie.
He also pushed back against the claim that the film’s lead actor looks like Salman Khan. Jani said the actor is Kashif Iqbal Khan. He said no makeup or prosthetics were used to make him look like anyone else.
“Personality rights are violated when someone copies an actor’s original voice or appearance. The actor in my film who plays Ayaan Khan is Kashif Iqbal Khan. I have not used prosthetics or makeup to make him look like Salman Khan or Ayaan Khan,” Jani told reporters.
Jani also said the film is rooted in the legacy of the Bishnoi community, which is known for protecting wildlife. He emphasized that the film is not just about a Bollywood story.
The Role of the Censor Board
A key point in the court hearing is the fact that Kala Hiran has not been submitted to the censor board. This is important because under Indian law, a movie cannot be shown in theaters or on OTT platforms without a certificate from the CBFC.
The producer’s lawyer told the court that the film will not be sent for certification until at least July 6. This essentially means there is no immediate danger of the movie being released before the next court date.
The court also noted that the film’s release date has not even been officially announced. This is another reason why the judge did not issue an immediate order stopping the film.
The movie’s teaser is already out, and the poster has been publicly available for weeks. But the actual release depends on getting the censor board’s approval first.
Background of the Dispute
This legal fight began in May 2026, when the first poster for Kala Hiran was released. Salman Khan’s legal team quickly sent a notice to the filmmakers. They said the poster violated the actor’s personality rights.
Salman Khan had already won a court order protecting his personality rights in December 2025. His lawyers argued that the poster goes against that order.
The actor also raised concerns about the movie’s content. He said it is based on his 1998 blackbuck poaching case. A court in Rajasthan has acquitted him in that case, but the legal proceedings are still ongoing in higher courts.
Salman Khan also pointed out that the movie seems to cover his alleged rivalry with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. His lawyers said this could affect his right to a fair trial in the cases that are still pending.
The legal case has been heard multiple times. On June 12, the court issued notices to the producers and director Bharat Shrinate. The hearing was then moved to June 19, and then again to July 1.
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What Happens Next
The Delhi High Court will hold the next hearing on July 6. On that day, the court will likely listen to more detailed arguments from both sides. The judge will then decide whether to grant an interim order.
The producers have given a clear undertaking to the court. The movie will not be sent to the censor board until Monday. This means Salman Khan has gotten a temporary reprieve.
Khan’s lawyers argued that urgent action is needed to prevent the film from releasing. The court is now giving both sides time to prepare their full arguments before making a decision.
This dispute is a key test of personality rights in India’s entertainment industry. While the legal battle continues in court, the film’s release remains uncertain for now.
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