Madras High Court Refuses Interim Ban on Hindi Drishyam 3 in Remake-Rights Dispute

The Madras High Court refused to restrain release and exploitation of the Hindi version of Drishyam 3 while competing claims to remake rights remain under adjudication.

Background and legal issue

The Madras High Court refused to restrain release and exploitation of the Hindi version of Drishyam 3 while competing claims to remake rights remain under adjudication. Justice K. Govindarajan Thilakavadi found that Rajkumar Theatres had not shown with sufficient clarity, at the interim stage, a subsisting exclusive or joint copyright capable of supporting a worldwide injunction. The Court did not finally decide ownership, which depends on multiple agreements and later transactions requiring fuller examination. Because an injunction would seriously affect producers and third parties, clear proof of an enforceable right was necessary. The arbitration-related dispute may continue despite refusal of interim restraint.

Why it matters

The legal effect is confined to the ruling or procedural development reported here. Party allegations and submissions are not treated as established facts unless expressly adjudicated.

Practical consequence

The parties and authorities must proceed in accordance with the operative legal position described above.

Source: Original report