The Delhi High Court has directed the makers of Sonakshi Sinha-starrer Khandaani Shafakhana to hold a special screening of the film for sexologist Vijay Abbot, who had earlier alleged that it defames him and his profession.
A single-judge bench comprising Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw asked producers T-Series to show the film to the sexologist on Friday, 26 July to address his apprehensions. The court will again hear the matter on 29 July.
The court observed that after viewing the material on record, including the film's trailer, it was of the prima facie view no damage has been caused to the reputation of the sexologist – Vijay Abbot. It also said that it was of the prima facie view that there has been no infringement of any trademark as claimed by Abbot. It noted that the registration of the trademark Khandani Shafakhana had lapsed in 2010 and it was not in being since 2001.
T-Series was initially hesitant to hold the private screening for Abbot, saying it could open the gates to litigants demanding the same in all future cases and said it was willing to show the film to Justice Endlaw alone. However, as the court was not in favour of the suggestion, the company agreed to hold a screening of the movie on 26 July.
Khandaani Shafakhana stars Sonakshi Sinha as Baby Bedi, a woman who inherits a sex clinic that prompts her to talk to tackle sex education in a small town. The film has been directed by Shilpi Dasgupta and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba. It also stars Badshah and Varun Sharma. It hits theatres on 2 August.
(With inputs from PTI)
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