Yash Raj Films has emerged victorious as the Supreme Court overturned a decision by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) concerning the absence of the song ‘Jabra Fan’ in the movie ‘Fan.’ The NCDRC had previously directed YRF to compensate a moviegoer, Afreen Fatima Zaidi, with Rs 10,000 for feeling deceived by the song’s exclusion.
Zaidi had filed a complaint, expressing disappointment for herself and her children due to the song’s removal from the film, particularly after its extensive promotion in trailers. She claimed that this omission had even caused health concerns for her children. Initially, the NCDRC had supported Zaidi’s claim, considering YRF’s promotional strategy an unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act.
YRF argued that the song’s exclusion did not result in any loss to the complainant and that her claims were exaggerated.
In 2017, the District Consumer Forum rejected Zaidi’s claim, but the State Commission of Maharashtra later allowed her appeal and ordered YRF to compensate her with Rs 10,000, along with litigation costs of Rs 5,000. The NCDRC had also ruled in favor of the complainant.
The Supreme Court Bench deliberated on the implications of a promo song and trailer and the contractual obligations involved. Ultimately, they allowed YRF’s appeal, overturning the previous rulings. Conclusion: The Supreme Court’s decision to rule in favor of Yash Raj Films resolves the legal dispute surrounding the exclusion of the song ‘Jabra Fan’ from the movie ‘Fan.’ The ruling underscores the significance of contractual obligations and promotional strategies in the film industry.
