Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions has taken its business dispute to the Bombay High Court, filing a plea that challenges what it calls the wrongful termination of a services arrangement tied to an upcoming Punjabi film. The petition, filed against Dubai based Humble Motion Pictures FZCO, seeks urgent interim protection even as the parties head toward arbitration.
At the centre of the matter is the Punjabi film Viyaah Kartaare Da, for which Dharma says it was engaged to provide consultancy, marketing and allied services. The legal move is positioned as a safeguard to preserve contractual rights and finances while the arbitration process plays out.
Dharma Productions’ Bombay High Court Petition Explained
The plea has been moved under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, which allows a party to request interim relief from a court pending arbitration. In court proceedings dated February 12, 2026, Humble Motion Pictures sought time to file its reply, and the matter has been listed for hearing on February 18.
Dharma’s case outlines that a services agreement dated December 10, 2025, was executed between the two entities. According to the petition, the arrangement was also structured to help Dharma recover losses of around Rs 7.25 crores that it claims to have incurred from an earlier film that the companies had jointly produced.
Dispute Over Services Agreement For Viyaah Kartaare Da
As per Dharma’s petition, the company had no obligation to fund production costs for Viyaah Kartaare Da. Instead, it was to receive specified revenue shares until it recouped a fixed amount of Rs 7.03 crores under the agreement.
The flashpoint, Dharma alleges, came after it promoted the film through its official social media handles. The petition states that Humble Motion Pictures sent an email on January 21, 2026, terminating the services agreement, with the reason cited as: “no longer desirous of availing Dharma’s services.”
Dharma argues in court that the contract does not include a termination at will clause and that no breach has been alleged against it. The production house has further contended that Humble benefited from Dharma’s brand association and goodwill before issuing the termination communication.
What Reliefs Dharma Is Seeking From The Court
Dharma Productions is seeking injunctive relief to restrain Humble Motion Pictures from acting on the termination email or taking steps that are contrary to the services agreement.
The plea also asks for protective monetary directions related to the film’s earnings, including a request for directions to pay or deposit 50% of overflow from cinema collections and other revenues arising from Viyaah Kartaare Da, along with directions to furnish detailed financial accounts. It has additionally sought an order directing Humble to deposit Rs 7.03 crores with the court.
The next hearing on February 18 is expected to be significant, as the Bombay High Court will consider the interim reliefs sought while the parties prepare for arbitration.
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