SRK vs Ajay: CCI to solve dispute between Yash Raj, Devgn's firms

The Delhi High Court has asked the CCI to hear and pass the order on the complaint of Ajay Devgn's firm that Son of Sardaar is not getting enough single-screen theatres as YRF has used its dominant position for better exhibition of SRK starrer Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

The Delhi High Court today asked the CCI to "expeditiously" decide the complaint of Ajay Devgn Films Private Limited that its Diwali release Son of Sardaar was not getting enough single-screen theatres as Yash Raj Films has "used its dominant" position for better exhibition of its Shah Rukh Khan's starrer Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

"The Competition Commission Of India (CCI) should hear and pass the order expeditiously so that it becomes an efficacious order," Justice Rajiv Shakdher said and disposed of the plea of the production house headed by Devgn, who also plays the lead actor in Son of Sardaar.

The court, however, refused to set a time frame for hearing and the decision on the complaint, saying, "We cannot have a sword hanging over the head of a tribunal."

The remarks came after senior advocate Rajiv Nayar, appearing for Devgn's firm, said, "Both films are releasing on Diwali on November 13 and some kind of directions are needed (for CCI) as advance booking are to open also."

Earlier, Ajay Devgn Films had filed a complaint in CCI alleging Yash Raj Films, headed by legendary late Yash Chopra, had used its dominant position which has led to a situation where Devgn's movie are not finding enough single screen theatres.

"Respondent No 2 (Yash Raj) has already taken a commitment from them (theatre owners) at the time of the release of the respondent's film Ek Tha Tiger that the film Ek Tha Tiger is licensed to them only on the condition that the Yash Raj Film scheduled for Diwali shall also be exhibited by them and that during Diwali of 2012 they should not take up any other film," the petition alleged.

Legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra