Bombay High Court grants singer Kumar Sanu interim gag order in ₹50 crore defamation suit against ex-wife

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday granted interim relief to Bollywood playback singer Kumar Sanu in his ₹50 crore defamation suit filed against his ex-wife Rita Bhattacharya [Sanu Bhattacharjee @ Kumar Sanu v. Rita Bhattacharya & Anr]

Justice Milind Jadhav passed a gag order in favour of Sanu, restraining Bhattacharya and some independent media houses from writing, speaking, posting, publishing or disseminating any allegedly defamatory, false or slanderous statements about the singer or his family in any form or medium.

The Court noted that Bhattacharya’s interviews went beyond fair comment.

“I am of the opinion that at some places in the interviews which have been given by Bhattacharya, there is a clear personal tirade against Sanu which is prima facie qualified by words that are used therein."

The Court also injuncted her from posting or circulating any allegedly defamatory or misleading content about Sanu on social media, print or digital platforms pending hearing of the interim application.

Advocate Atif Shaikh, appearing for Bhattacharya, requested that the dispute be referred to mediation, pointing out that the couple’s son was recently married. The Court recorded this request, but clarified that Bhattacharya must immediately restrain herself and ensure no further reputational damage or insinuations against Sanu.

Sanu’s counsel Sana Raees Khan argued that the interviews had caused immense financial and personal loss, including cancellation of pre-determined shows abroad. She highlighted that his personality rights had earlier been protected by the Delhi High Court.

While granting injunctive relief against fresh statements, the Court deferred Khan’s request for deletion of the allegedly objectionable interviews and said that it would consider that issue after receiving replies from the defendants.​

The Court also asked Khan to inform it by next date if Sanu would agree for mediation without prejudice to his rights and contentions. The matter will be heard next on January 28.

Sanu has sued Bhattacharya over her September 2025 interviews on YouTube channels Film Window, Viral Bhayani and Siddharth Kannan, alleging that they contained false and scandalous allegations about his conduct during their marriage and were widely circulated through clips and reels.

The plaint claims that these videos collectively garnered over 1.5 million views, causing irreparable harm to his goodwill, professional prospects and led to a decline in professional inquiries and engagement opportunities, along with a surge of abusive comments on social media.

Shaikh appeared for Bhattacharya along with Advocates Ayesha Ahmed and Shanu Chaturvedi, briefed by Zen Jurists India LLP.

Advocates Amishi Sodani and Charu Shukla appeared for Google LLC.

Advocates Rishabh Jaisani and Harit Lakhani, briefed by Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co, appeared for Meta.

[Read order]