Veteran film producer TP Aggarwal has moved a Mumbai civil court challenging a non-cooperation directive issued by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) against actor Ranveer Singh over his reported exit from Don 3.

Aggarwal, a former president of the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA), filed a petition before the Bombay Civil Court in Dindoshi against both FWICE and IMPPA, arguing that no individual, organisation or trade body has the legal authority to impose a ban or direct members not to work with a person.

The dispute arose after FWICE reportedly issued a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh following complaints from Don 3 producers Excel Entertainment over alleged losses and scheduling disruptions linked to the actor’s withdrawal from the project.

Speaking to Indian media, Aggarwal criticised FWICE’s action, saying it exceeded the federation’s jurisdiction. He referred to previous legal rulings and a Competition Commission of India (CCI) case, which, according to him, established that such directives are beyond the authority of industry bodies.

Aggarwal said contractual disputes should be resolved through legal channels rather than trade associations. He added that producers facing such issues should first approach their respective industry associations, which can attempt mediation before the matter is taken to court.

He also questioned IMPPA’s silence on the issue and said the association should have intervened. Although no longer serving as IMPPA president, Aggarwal said he decided to seek legal intervention in his capacity as a patron of both IMPPA and the Film Federation of India.

The court is yet to hear the matter.

Source: NDTV