The Delhi High Court has held that the film Doosra infringes Sourav Ganguly’s personality and publicity rights. The Court directed its makers to add disclaimers in Hindi and English and submit an unconditional Rs 2 crore bank guarantee. The order follows Ganguly’s objection to the unauthorised use of his identity and iconic cricketing moments, including his 2002 NatWest Series celebration.

The Delhi High Court has ruled that the film Doosra infringes the personality and publicity rights of former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly. The Court has directed the filmmakers to follow a series of conditions before commercially releasing the film. These include displaying a disclaimer in Hindi and English and submitting an unconditional bank guarantee of Rs 2 crore.

Delhi High Court Directs Filmmakers to Add Disclaimer

Justice Tejas Karia observed that Ganguly’s personality and key events from his cricket career were closely linked to the film’s storyline. He noted that it would not be practical at this stage to separate or remove these portions from the movie. The Court therefore directed Ramesh Deo Productions Private Limited, the producer of Doosra, to add a disclaimer at both the beginning and the end of the film.

The disclaimer must clearly state that Ganguly did not give permission for the use of his personality in the film. It must also clarify that the movie does not intend to violate his personality or publicity rights. The filmmakers have been given two days to comply with this direction.

Producers Asked to Submit Rs 2 Crore Bank Guarantee

The Court also directed the producers to submit an unconditional bank guarantee of Rs 2 crore with the High Court Registrar within two weeks. Justice Karia warned that failure to follow any of the conditions would prevent the makers from commercially exploiting the film. This restriction would apply to the entire movie as well as any part or aspect of it.