Shah Bano’s Family Moves Court

Shah Bano’s daughter, Siddiqa Begum, has filed a petition in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Indore, seeking to stop the film’s release, which is scheduled for November 7. Her lawyer, Tausif Warsi, stated that the filmmakers used Shah Bano’s name and story without the family’s consent.

“Violation of Privacy”

Advocate Warsi said the film is based on the landmark Mohd. Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano Begum case a historic legal battle where a Muslim woman fought for her right to maintenance. He added that making a film about someone’s personal life requires the concerned person’s or family’s approval, and that didn’t happen here.

Family Alleges Misrepresentation

Shah Bano’s grandson, Zubair Ahmed Khan, revealed that the family realized the film was about his grandmother only after the teaser was released. He alleged that several facts have been misrepresented in the film, which could mislead audiences into believing it’s an authentic portrayal of real events.

Filmmakers’ Response

In response, the makers have clarified that Haq is a fictional narrative inspired by real events but not a biographical account. Their lawyer, Ajay Bagadia, said that the film’s disclaimer clearly mentions it is inspired by the 1985 Supreme Court verdict and the book “Bano: Bharat Ki Beti”, but it is not based on true incidents.

Earlier Legal Notice Sent

Earlier, Siddiqa Begum had also sent a legal notice to the filmmakers, asking them to halt the film’s promotion, publication, and release.

About the Film Haq

Directed by Suparn S. Varma, Haq draws inspiration from the 1985 Shah Bano case a landmark moment in Indian legal history that reshaped women’s rights and maintenance laws. In 1978, 62-year-old Shah Bano filed a case seeking alimony from her husband, Mohammad Ahmed Khan. In 1985, the Supreme Court ruled in her favor, but the following year, the Rajiv Gandhi government overturned the decision by passing new legislation.