Amid the ongoing Dhurandhar 2 song row, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday recorded an undertaking by filmmaker Rajeev Rai, who is also the owner of Trimurti Films, that he will not speak to the media about the dispute during the pendency of mediation proceedings.
Rajeev Rai calls Dhurandhar makers thieves
Today`s proceedings stemmed from an application moved by Super Cassettes claiming that Rai had given a series of interviews to the media after agreeing to mediation last week, including remarks on how the case was handled in court and on the merits of the dispute. Justice Tushar Rao Gedela noted that Rai had made multiple public statements on the merits of the case as well as the court proceedings, even after the matter was referred to mediation.
Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal, who was appearing for Dhurandhar makers, contended that such statements were prejudicial and caused damage to the film, which is currently running in theatres. “They are calling us thieves while the very issue is before this Court for consideration,” he told the court.
The advocate also submitted that a litigant cannot simultaneously pursue remedies before the Court while making public allegations and commentary on the dispute. He argued that Rai`s statements included imputations against the opposing parties and that it amounted to showing a parallel narrative in the media on a matter that is pending adjudication.
Meanwhile, Swathi Sukumar, appearing for Trimurti, submitted that the statements were made in anguish and that Rai remained committed to mediation. “They get praise every day for being a box office hit. Equally, two people criticising them is not going to bring down heaven,” she said, adding that the defendants should be able to take criticism.
The Court highlighted that once a litigant invokes the judicial process, restraint is expected in public commentary on issues that are sub judice.
About the matter
The dispute arose from allegations by Trimurti Films that the song Rang De Lal (Oye Oye) in Dhurandhar 2 uses the musical composition of Tirchi Topiwala from the 1989 film Tridev without proper authorisation. The defendants, B62 Studios, have denied the allegations and opposed any interim relief.
The case was referred to mediation by the Delhi High Court last week.
