The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to take into account the objections raised by the parents of late Ashok Chakra awardee Major Mohit Sharma regarding an upcoming film that they allege resembles their son’s life and covert military operations. The family filed a plea last week claiming that the filmmakers neither sought their permission nor exercised adequate caution while portraying sensitive tactical details in the trailer, which they fear could pose national security concerns.
Family alleges unauthorised use of Major’s life
According to the petition, the trailer of the film portrays events, tactics and personnel resembling real military operations linked to Major Mohit Sharma. The family argued that such depiction constitutes an identifiable portrayal of the officer’s life and work, despite the filmmakers publicly stating that the film is fictional.
The petition asserted that the family of a decorated martyr must be consulted before any representation is made, especially when the public and media are drawing parallels between the trailer and Major Sharma’s covert missions.
Court hearing and respondents
The matter was heard by a bench of Justice Sachin Datta, with CBFC, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI), director and co-producer Aditya Dhar, and producer Jio Studios named as respondents.
Appearing for the CBFC, Central Government Counsel Ashish Dixit informed the court that the certification process is currently underway, and the Board may refer the film to the Indian Army as part of its review. The court, however, instructed the CBFC to refer the film to the Army regardless, to ensure all concerns are appropriately examined.
Filmmakers say the film is fictional
Dixit emphasised before the court that the movie is not a biopic on Major Mohit Sharma but a fictional work. He cited the filmmakers’ official statement clarifying that the story bears no connection to the late officer’s life.
Senior advocate Saurav Kirpal, appearing for the producers, termed the petition “misconceived”, arguing that only the trailer has been released so far and that an injunction cannot be sought based solely on promotional material. He further reiterated that the film does not depict any real-life officer.
Family insists depiction is too similar
Representing the family, the Counsel argued that the similarities are neither coincidental nor superficial. “The portrayal is of a covert ops officer. It is not a vague resemblance—it directly mirrors the life and work of Major Mohit Sharma,” the Counsel said. The argument also highlighted that despite the Major having been martyred in Jammu, the film appears to show operations in Pakistan, adding to the confusion about the narrative’s origins.
The Counsel argued that media reviews and public perception reinforce the apparent connection, making the absence of family consent more concerning.
Court’s direction and outcome
After hearing all parties, Justice Datta directed the CBFC to acknowledge and assess the family’s concerns and consult with the Indian Army during the film certification process. The court concluded the proceedings by disposing of the petition, reiterating the importance of ensuring that sensitive military content is reviewed thoroughly to prevent any compromise of operational security or dignity of the officer being perceived as depicted.
Conclusion
The court’s direction underscores a broader issue regarding creative works inspired by real-life figures, especially in sensitive defence contexts. As the CBFC proceeds with certification and consultation with the Army, the final outcome may set a precedent on how filmmakers handle military portrayals and how families of martyrs can assert their rights when representations appear too close to reality.