Bombay High Court restrains Shiv Sena leader from making communal remarks against slum developer

The Bombay High Court recently barred Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) leader and ex-Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Sanjay Nirupam from making defamatory and communal remarks against Mumbai-based developer, Chandiwala Enterprises [Chandiwala Enterprises Private Limited & Ors v Sanjay Nirupam].

The developer accused Nirupam of defaming it by claiming that the redevelopment of Shree Shankar Society was part of a “secret campaign” where Muslim developers, with the help of Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) officials, illegally register slums in Muslim names.

These remarks were made in a letter dated February 20, 2025, and repeated in press conferences and public statements.

A single Bench of Justice RI Chagla noted that the allegations were prima facie "wholly untrue."

“I prima facie find these allegations to be wholly untrue, considering that out of the 67 residents of the Shree Shankar Society, there are 7 Muslims residents. Thus, the allegation made that the redevelopment is a secret campaign in which Muslims Developers take up slum development projects and illegally register slums in the name of Muslims by taking SRA officials along with them in their project is, in my prima facie view, wholly untrue," the Court's August 20 order said.

The Court was also told that Nirupam had ignored multiple notices of the defamation case against him. He failed to appear on two earlier hearing dates. A legal notice was served at his residence, but Nirupam allegedly tore it up and returned it.

Despite being served through email and WhatsApp, he remained absent from the Court. An advocate finally appeared for him at the last minute and sought time to file a vakalatnama

The Court, by its interim order, proceeded to restrain Nirupam from making defamatory remarks against the developer on finding that there was a prima facie case made out against him.

“The Defendant is restrained by way of temporary order of injunction from making or publishing any defamatory/ slanderous or libelous statement / imputation against the Plaintiffs of the like nature as that contained in the documents, which are annexed at Exh.A to the additional Affidavit dated 9th August 2025," the order said.

The Court has given Nirupam’s lawyer one week to file a vakalatnama and two weeks to submit a formal reply.

The matter will be heard next on September 10, 2025.

Senior Advocate Janak Dwarkadas with advocates Cherag Balsara, Yogesh Patil and Sanjeev Singh instructed by Ritesh Singh appeared for the Chandiwala.

Advocate Mahesh B Gupte appeared for Nirupam.

[Read Order]