Just days before its scheduled release on November 7, Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi’s upcoming film Haq has run into legal trouble. The movie, inspired by the landmark Shah Bano Begum case, now faces a court challenge from the late Shah Bano’s family.
According to a report by The Siasat Daily, Siddiqua Begum, daughter of Shah Bano Begum, has filed a petition in the Madhya Pradesh High Court seeking a stay on the film’s release. The plea, filed through advocate Tousif Warsi, claims the filmmakers have used Shah Bano’s name and personal story “without the family’s consent” and that the film “misrepresents facts related to Sharia law.”
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Speaking to ANI, advocate Warsi said, “This film is based on the landmark case of M.A. Khan vs Shah Bano Begum. For the first time in Indian history, a Muslim woman fought for maintenance and won the case. It is mandatory to obtain consent before using someone’s personal life or name, as it falls under the right to privacy.”
The petition further alleges that the portrayal of the events could “hurt Muslim sentiments.” The case is expected to be heard soon.
Notice sent to filmmakers and CBFC
In addition to the court petition, Siddiqua Begum’s legal notice has been sent to director Suparn S. Verma, producers Junglee Pictures and Baweja Studios, and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The notice demands that the respondents “restrain from publication, screening, or release” of the film until the matter is legally resolved.
Despite the controversy, Haq remains slated for its November 7 theatrical release. The production team, which includes Vineet Jain, Vishal Gurnani, Juhi Parekh Mehta, and Harman Baweja, has not yet issued a public statement.
Film inspired by the 1985 Shah Bano verdict
Haq draws inspiration from one of India’s most debated legal cases - the 1985 Supreme Court judgment in Mohd. Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano Begum, which upheld a Muslim woman’s right to maintenance under Indian law. The film also references journalist Jigna Vora’s book Bano: Bharat Ki Beti as a creative source.
In the film, Yami Gautam plays Shazia Bano, a woman who takes her husband to court seeking justice and equality. Emraan Hashmi plays Abbas Khan, her husband and opposing counsel in the legal battle.
Director Suparn S. Varma, in earlier interviews, described Haq as “a story that asks uncomfortable but necessary questions about equality and justice.”
Emraan Hashmi defends the film’s intent
Amid rising debate online over the film’s portrayal of religion, Emraan Hashmi addressed concerns during an interview with ANI, saying that Haq was made with fairness and sensitivity.
“I read the script from the perspective of a creative actor, but I had to see that there is a sensitivity regarding my community,” Hashmi said. “What I extrapolated from this film is that it presents a very balanced point of view. We are not pointing fingers at any community or passing judgment.”
He added, “As a liberal Muslim, I can say that I had no problems with the film’s viewpoint. If we were maligning any community, I wouldn’t have done this film.”
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Awaiting the court’s decision
As the Madhya Pradesh High Court takes up the petition, it remains unclear whether Haq will release on schedule or face a delay. The controversy has drawn national attention just as the film - which combines legal drama with social commentary - nears its release.
For now, both the film industry and audiences are waiting to see how the court rules on Siddiqua Begum’s plea before Haq reaches theatres.
