The parents of Late Major Mohit Sharma — Ashoka Chakra and Sena Medal awardee — have approached the Delhi High Court seeking an immediate stay on the release of the upcoming Ranveer Singh–starrer Dhurandhar.
In their petition, the family alleges that the film draws heavily from the life, undercover missions, and martyrdom of the decorated Special Forces officer, all without permission from Major Sharma’s family or the Indian Army.
Petition Claims Film Mirrors Major Sharma’s Life and Secret Ops
According to the petition, several elements shown in the Dhurandhar trailer and promotional material appear to replicate key events from Major Sharma’s military career, including classified counter-terrorism operations conducted in Kashmir.
The family states that although media reports and online discussions have repeatedly linked the film to Major Sharma’s life, the makers have neither acknowledged this association nor consulted the family at any stage.
The plea stresses that “a martyr is not a commercial commodity” and that his life cannot be recreated “for profit, without truth, dignity, or due permission.”
Allegations of Violated Personality Rights and Privacy
The family argues that the film’s unauthorised depiction infringes upon Major Sharma’s posthumous personality rights under Article 21 of the Constitution. They further contend that it violates the family’s own right to privacy, dignity, and emotional well-being.
Concerns related to national security are also central to the petition.
National Security Concerns Raised
The petitioners assert that Dhurandhar appears to portray sensitive military strategies, infiltration methods, and operational details without any indication that the filmmakers obtained clearance or script approval from the Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI).
The ADGPI is the authority responsible for overseeing how the Indian Army is represented in films and media. According to the petition, there is no evidence of any such required permissions or consultations.
Filmmakers, Government Bodies Named as Respondents
Those named in the petition include:
Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)
Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI)
Director and co-producer Aditya Dhar
Producer Jio Studios
The family is being represented by advocates Roopenshu Pratap Singh and Manish Sharmaa of Samaanta Law Firm (SLF).
Family Seeks Stay on Release and Pre-Release Screening
The petition requests the Delhi High Court to halt the release of Dhurandhar until Major Sharma’s family is allowed to privately screen the film.
They further seek a declaration making it mandatory for filmmakers to obtain consent from the martyr’s legal heirs and the Indian Army before creating or releasing any depiction of a real-life military hero.
The matter is expected to be listed for hearing next week.