Personality rights: HC asks Amitabh Bachchan to appear if settlement fails

NEW DELHI: Delhi HC has asked Amitabh Bachchan to appear in person if a settlement with several defendants in a personality rights case remains incomplete and he still wishes to pursue his claims.Justice Purushaindra K Kaurav passed the direction after the court was informed an amicable settlement had been reached with some defendants through mediation, but could not be formally signed due to logistical issues on Bachchan’s side.The court granted time to the actor to complete formalities and place the formal agreement on record. The next hearing will be on Nov 16.The HC said in the event of a non-settlement or incomplete settlement, Bachchan would have to be personally present if he wished to pursue any of his claims. His presence would enable the court to exercise its powers under provisions of Code of Civil Procedure and Section 168 of BSA, the order underlined. Section 168 empowers a judge to ask any question about any fact s/he considers necessary.