Family of Late Major Mohit Sharma moves Delhi High Court against release of film ‘Dhurandhar’

The Delhi High Court has been approached by the parents of Ashoka Chakra and Sena Medal awardee, Late Major Mohit Sharma, with a plea seeking an urgent stay on the release of the upcoming Ranvir Singh-starrer film 'Dhurandhar.'.The petition claims that the movie appears to be directly inspired by the life, undercover activities, and martyrdom of the renowned Special Forces officer, and was made without getting permission from the Indian Army or Major Sharma's family.The petition states that important aspects of Major Sharma's life and military service, including covert counter-terrorism operations in Kashmir, are mirrored in the movie's trailer and promotional materials.The family adds that although Dhurandhar has been connected to Major Sharma's life in media reports and online discussions, the filmmakers have neither acknowledged this nor consulted them. The petitioners have contended that a martyr is not a commercial commodity and that his life cannot be reconstructed for profit without truth, dignity and due permission.The family argues that apart from violating a martyr's posthumous personality rights under Article 21 of the Constitution, such an unauthorised portrayal violates their right to privacy and dignity as well..Concerns about national security are also raised in the petition. The petitioners contend that the movie seems to depict delicate military tactics, infiltration strategies, and operational procedures without any indication that the filmmakers obtained permission or screened the script from the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI), the body in charge of governing the manner in which the Indian Army is portrayed in the media.The respondents named in the petition include the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Central Board of Film Certification, the ADGPI, the film's director and co-producer Aditya Dhar, and producer Jio Studios.The petitioners have urged the Court to stay the film’s release and order a private screening of the film for Major Sharma's family before it is released. They also seek a declaration that, before any film depicting a real-life military martyr is made public, authorisation must be taken from the martyr's legal heirs and the Army.The family is being represented by advocates Roopenshu Pratap Singh and Manish Sharmaa of Samaanta Law Firm (SLF).The matter is likely to be listed for hearing next week. .Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.