Kamal Haasan legal relief: Madras HC bans unauthorised use of actor's name and image on merchandise

The Madras High Court has passed a clear order to protect Kamal Haasan’s name and image. The court has stopped the unauthorised commercial use of the actor’s name, photograph, and the title “Ulaganayagan.”As reported by Mathrubhumi, Kamal Haasan approached the court after a private company in Chennai started selling T-shirts and shirts using his name and image without taking permission. Reports say that on Monday, Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy heard the case and ordered a ban on such misuse. The court also asked the company to file its reply to Kamal Haasan’s petition. At the same time the court made it clear that there is no restriction on using Kamal Haasan’s image in cartoons.The court also directed Kamal Haasan to inform the public clearly. He has been asked to publish notices in both Tamil and English newspapers. These notices must say that no one has the right to use his name or photograph without permission.The court said this step is needed so that people and businesses are aware of the rule. The case has now been posted for further hearing in February.Around the same time, Kamal Haasan also spoke strongly about the censorship issue linked to Vijay’s film 'Jana Nayagan'. The film was supposed to release worldwide on January 9. But due to a certification dispute with the Censor Board of Film Certification, the release did not happen.Kamal Haasan shared an official note titled “For Art, For Artists, For the Constitution.” He wrote, “India's Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, guided by reason, never diminished by opacity. This moment is larger than any one film; it reflects the space we accord art and artists in a constitutional democracy.”The veteran actor also spoke about how cinema works as a shared effort. He wrote,“Cinema is not the labour of an individual alone but the collective effort of an ecosystem of writers, technicians, performers, exhibitors, and small businesses whose livelihoods depend on a fair and timely process.”He further added, “When clarity is absent, creativity is constrained, economic activity is disrupted, and public trust is weakened.”Kamal Haasan ended his note with a call for unity and reform. He wrote, “This is also a moment for the entire film industry to unite and engage in meaningful, constructive dialogue with our government institution. Such reform will safeguard creative freedom, uphold constitutional value and strengthen India's democratic institutions by affirming trust in its artists and its people.”Disclaimer: This report is a journalistic account of a recent court development. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy based on available information, this is not a substitute for the official court order or legal advice. The final ruling, which will be published by the court, is the definitive source of information. This article serves as a report on the current status of the case and should not be considered legal guidance.