Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a summon in response to a suit filed by Cine1 Studios Pvt Ltd, seeking a stay on the release of Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal on OTT platforms. Has been. A major producer of the film alleges that Super Cassettes Industries Pvt Ltd (T-Series) breached their agreement, depriving Cine1 of its fair profit share and intellectual property rights.
What is the Matter
Justice Sanjeev Narula, upon accepting the case, issued summons to the defendants and gave them time to submit written statements. The court directed the defendants to file an affidavit of acceptance/rejection of the plaintiff’s documents along with the written statement, saying that without this affidavit, the written statement would not be accepted.
The plaintiff was given the liberty to file the rejoinder within 15 days of receipt of the written statement. The court specified that with any replication the plaintiff would have to file an affidavit admitting/rejecting the defendant’s documents, without which the replication would not be considered. The matter will now be sent before the Joint Registrar on March 15.
Senior lawyer Sandeep Sethi, representing Cine1, claims that T-Series failed to share financial details and acted without Cine1’s approval in incurring expenses and promoting/releasing the film.
He had earlier argued, “I have a long relationship with them, but they have no respect for the agreement. “I respect the sanctity of the relationship and contract, hence, I do not rush to court.”
Justice Narula had on Monday adjourned the case till Thursday after discovering the allegedly hidden amendments in the contract.
Senior advocate Amit Sibal, appearing for T-Series, argued that Cine1 had relinquished the intellectual property rights through an amendment dated August 2, 2022, and had received Rs 2.6 crore in return.
He argued, “This amendment has been hidden. He got Rs 2.6 crore. He hasn’t invested even a single penny in the film and yet he got Rs 2.6 crores.”
The court adjourned the case to allow Cine1 to seek instructions regarding this amendment. Cine1 highlighted T-Series’ non-compliance with credit and endorsement agreements and sought to stop “Animal” from releasing on OTT until the terms are met.