In a significant legal development, veteran playback singer Kumar Sanu has been granted interim relief by the Bombay High Court in his ₹50 crore defamation suit against his former wife, Rita Bhattacharya. The court's decision includes a crucial gag order, preventing Bhattacharya and certain media platforms from circulating allegedly defamatory statements about the singer and his family.
Key Directives from the High Court
Justice Milind Jadhav's order specifically restrains Rita Bhattacharya and several media houses from:
• Writing, speaking, posting, publishing, or disseminating any allegedly defamatory, false, or slanderous content about Sanu.
• Circulating such material across any form or medium, including social media, print, or digital platforms, until the interim application is heard.
The court observed that Bhattacharya's interviews appeared to exceed the boundaries of fair comment, noting a "clear personal tirade against Sanu." This prima facie observation underscored the necessity of the interim injunction.
Impact on Kumar Sanu's Career
Advocate Sana Raees Khan, representing Kumar Sanu, highlighted the severe financial and personal harm inflicted upon her client due to the alleged statements. These defamatory remarks reportedly led to:
• Cancellation of pre-scheduled international shows.
• Adverse impact on his professional standing and reputation.
• A surge in abusive comments on social media platforms.
Khan also reminded the court that Sanu's personality rights had previously been protected by the Delhi High Court, further emphasizing the need for legal intervention.
Mediation and Future Proceedings
During the proceedings, Advocate Atif Shaikh, appearing for Rita Bhattacharya, requested the court to refer the matter to mediation, citing the recent marriage of the couple's son. While the court recorded this request, it firmly mandated that Bhattacharya must immediately cease any further reputational damage or insinuations against the singer.
The High Court, while granting injunctive relief against fresh statements, deferred Sanu's plea seeking the deletion of the allegedly objectionable interviews until replies from the defendants are received. The court also directed Sanu to inform by the next date whether he would be willing to participate in mediation, clarifying that such mediation would be without prejudice to his rights.
Background of the Defamation Suit
Kumar Sanu initiated the ₹50 crore defamation suit in connection with interviews given by Rita Bhattacharya in September 2025 on YouTube channels Film Window, Viral Bhayani, and Siddharth Kannan. The plaint asserts that these interviews contained false and scandalous allegations regarding Sanu's conduct during their marriage, leading to widespread circulation through clips and reels. The suit claims these videos garnered over 1.5 million views, causing irreparable damage to Sanu's goodwill and a decline in professional opportunities.
The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on January 28.
