Bombay High Court grants interim relief to Kumar Sanu in Rs 50 crore defamation case

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday granted interim relief to playback singer Kumar Sanu in his Rs 50 crore defamation suit against his former wife Rita Bhattacharya. The court issued a gag order restraining Bhattacharya from making or circulating any allegedly defamatory statements about the singer or his family.

Justice Milind Jadhav noted that some interviews given by Bhattacharya appeared to go beyond the limits of fair comment. The court restrained her from writing, speaking, posting, publishing, or disseminating any allegedly defamatory content concerning Sanu in any form.

“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 said.

The High Court also barred Bhattacharya from posting or circulating any allegedly defamatory or misleading material related to Sanu on social media or digital platforms until the interim application is decided.

During the hearing, Advocate Atif Shaikh, representing Bhattacharya, requested that the matter be referred to mediation, citing the recent marriage of the couple’s son. The court recorded the request but clarified that Bhattacharya must immediately exercise restraint to avoid further damage to Sanu’s reputation.

Advocate Sana Raees Khan, appearing for Sanu, submitted that the statements had caused financial and personal harm. She said the interviews led to the cancellation of pre scheduled international shows and affected his professional standing.

While granting relief against any fresh statements, the court deferred Khan’s plea seeking removal of the interviews. It will consider this after receiving replies from the defendants.

The High Court directed Khan to inform the bench by the next date whether Sanu would participate in mediation. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on January 28.

Sanu filed the suit in connection with interviews given by Bhattacharya in September 2025. The plaint states that the interviews contained false allegations about his conduct during their marriage and caused reputational damage.