The Delhi High Court on Friday said veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan will have to appear personally before the Court if he wishes to pursue his personality rights suit [Amitabh Bachchan v Rajat Nagi & Ors].

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav said that if the Bachchan is unable to settle the matter between one or more defendants, and he then wants to pursue the case in court, he will have to be present in Court.

The Court passed the direction on October 9 while granting Bachchan time to complete the formalities of an amicable settlement reached with some of the defendants.

The Court was informed that although a settlement had been arrived at with some of the defendants, it could not be formally signed due to logistical issues on the actor’s part.

“In the event of non-settlement or incomplete settlement, if the plaintiff wishes to pursue the suit on any of the claims or issues, the plaintiff shall remain personally present on the next date of hearing, enabling the Court to exercise its powers under Order X Rule 2 read with Order V Rule 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, and Section 168 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023,” the Court ordered. 

Bachchan had filed the suit seeking a permanent injunction to protect his personality rights. The High Court had granted an ex parte ad interim injunction in his favour on November 25, 2022.

During the proceedings, the parties explored the possibility of resolving the dispute amicably through mediation. 

On October 9, the Court was told that a settlement has been reached with some of the defendants, but a formal agreement is yet to be executed.

Bachchan was represented by advocates Dhruv Anand, Dhananjay Khanna and Bhavya Verma.

[Read Order]