Source Hindustan Times
In a significant interim ruling, the Delhi High Court has allowed the makers of Dhurandhar 2 to proceed with its planned OTT release despite allegations of unauthorized use of a song. However, the court directed the producers to deposit ₹50 lakh as a security measure, pending further adjudication of the dispute.
The case arose after a petitioner claimed that a song featured in the film had been used without proper licensing or authorization. According to the plea, the contested track allegedly infringes on existing intellectual property rights, prompting demands for a stay on the film’s digital release.
During the hearing, the court weighed the competing interests of both parties. While acknowledging the seriousness of copyright infringement claims, it also considered the potential financial and contractual losses the filmmakers would incur if the release were halted at the last minute.
In its order, the court struck a balance by permitting the OTT release to go ahead, subject to the condition that the filmmakers deposit ₹50 lakh. This amount will act as a safeguard, ensuring that adequate compensation can be provided if the petitioner’s claims are later upheld.
The bench clarified that this is an interim arrangement and does not constitute a final ruling on the merits of the case. It emphasized that the issue of whether the song was indeed used without authorization will be examined in detail during subsequent proceedings.
Legal experts note that such orders are not uncommon in cases involving creative works, where courts attempt to prevent irreversible commercial damage while still protecting intellectual property rights.
The ruling allows Dhurandhar 2 to reach its audience as scheduled on OTT platforms, but the legal battle over the disputed song is far from over. Further hearings are expected to determine liability and any potential damages.
