Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam are set to share the screen in Suparn Verma’s upcoming film Haq, a courtroom drama inspired by the real-life case of Mohd. Ahmed Khan vs. Shah Bano Begum — one of India’s
most debated and controversial legal battles. The film’s teaser, released a few days ago, garnered positive attention for its intense performances and compelling premise. However, just as anticipation began to build, Haq has found itself at the center of a legal storm.
Shah Bano’s Daughter Issues Legal Notice
Siddiqua Begum, daughter of the late Shah Bano, has issued a legal notice to the makers of Haq, demanding an immediate halt to the film’s release. The notice alleges that the movie portrays the personal life of Shah Bano without the consent of her legal heirs. It also cites defamation and a violation of personality and publicity rights.
Speaking to India Today, Siddiqua Begum’s lawyer, Tousif Z Warsi, explained the reasoning behind the legal action. He said, “There is a requirement of certain addition, like Shah Bano’s personal life is depicted in the movie because it’s a long movie of two odd hours. We do not know what events have been disclosed, in what manner they have been reproduced, or how her personal life has been depicted. The storyline and theme of the movie must first be disclosed to her legal heirs.”
Warsi further emphasized that consent from Shah Bano’s biological daughters is essential before releasing any dramatization of her life, “A written consent should be obtained allowing the publication of Shah Bano’s biography. Without such consent, even the court would not permit the release of the film. There have been previous instances where courts have stayed the release of movies over similar concerns,” he added.
About Haq
Directed by Suparn Verma, Haq is said to be a fictionalized and dramatized retelling of the events surrounding the historic Shah Bano case, which had far-reaching social and political implications in India. The film is reportedly inspired by the book Bano: Bharat Ki Beti, written by journalist Jigna Vora.
Starring Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam in lead roles, Haq is slated for release on November 7, 2025. While the filmmakers have yet to respond publicly to the legal notice, the dispute adds a new layer of controversy to a film already rooted in one of the nation’s most divisive legal sagas.
