A Pune Court has summoned actor Arshad Warsi, director Subhash Kapoor, and producer Arun Bhatia over a plea alleging that Jolly LLB 3 insults the legal profession and judiciary.
Summons Issued Against Actor, Director, and Producer
A civil court in Pune has issued summons to actor Arshad Warsi, director Subhash Kapoor, and producer Arun Bhatia over a plea challenging the release of Jolly LLB 3.
The petition was filed by Advocate Wajed Rahim Khan, who argued that the film’s teaser demeans the judiciary and tarnishes the dignity of the legal profession.
The Civil Judge (Senior Division), JG Pawar, adjourned the matter to 28 October 2025, after summons were issued under the Specific Relief Act on Khan’s request seeking an injunction against the movie’s release.
Alleged Insult to Lawyers and Judiciary
According to the plaintiff, the teaser released on YouTube on 12 August 2025 shows an advocate wearing a band tie incorrectly. This, he claims, mocks the sanctity of the legal profession and disrespects judges.
Khan alleged that the portrayal dishonours lawyers, blackens the image of the judiciary, and represents a deliberate attempt by filmmakers to scandalize the profession for commercial gain.
Allusion to Past Legal Battles
This is not the first time the Jolly LLB franchise has faced courtroom scrutiny. Earlier installments of the film also encountered legal challenges on the grounds that they portrayed lawyers and judges in a mocking light.
The plaintiff argued that the recurrence of such portrayals reflects a pattern by filmmakers to exploit controversial content for publicity and profit.
Potential Impact on Society
Khan warned that such negative depictions in mass media could erode public trust in the judiciary, which is one of the pillars of democracy. He added that continued distribution of the teaser could disturb public peace by encouraging ridicule of advocates and judges.
According to the plea, the teaser crosses the line of artistic expression and instead amounts to professional denigration.
Reliefs Sought by the Plaintiff
Advocate Khan requested the Pune court to grant the following reliefs:
Restraining the release of Jolly LLB 3 in the state of Maharashtra.
Issuing an injunction against distribution of the teaser via newspapers, internet, and other media.
Recognizing the teaser as an affront to the dignity of the legal profession and the judiciary.
Broader Implications of the Case
The legal battle raises a fundamental question: Does artistic freedom under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India outweigh institutional dignity?
While filmmakers defend their creative liberties, legal professionals insist that freedom of expression cannot extend to mocking professions that uphold the rule of law.
The outcome of this case will attract wide attention, potentially setting a legal precedent on how far filmmakers can go in portraying lawyers and the judiciary in popular media.
Conclusion
The summons against the makers of Jolly LLB 3 reflect the ongoing tension between cinema and the legal system. With the matter set for hearing in October 2025, the case could significantly influence the boundaries of creative expression, public perception of the judiciary, and the protection of professional dignity in India’s film industry.
