Bombay HC restrains Kumar Sanu`s ex-wife from making defamatory remarks

Bollywood singer Kumar Sanu has received a relief from the Bombay High Court in the Rs 50 crore defamation lawsuit filed by him against his ex-wife Rita Bhattacharya. The court passed an interim order restraining Rita from making defamatory statements or remarks against the playback singer.

Bombay High Court restrains Kumar Sanu`s ex-wife

During the Rs 50 crore defamation suit hearing on Wednesday, Justice Milind Jadhav passed an order in favour of Kumar Sanu, restraining his ex-wife Rita as well as independent media houses from writing, speaking, posting, publishing or disseminating any defamatory, false or slanderous statements about the singer or his family in any form or medium.

The Court also stated that the interviews given by Rita in the past went beyond fair comment, and stated that it came with a “personal tirade”. Justice Milind Jadhav noted, “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."

Advocate Atif Shaikh, who appeared for Bhattacharya, requested that the dispute be referred to mediation, highlighting that the couple`s son was recently married. The court recorded Shaikh`s request; however, it clarified that Bhattacharya must immediately restrain herself, ensuring no further reputational damage or insinuations against Sanu.

About the Rs 50 crore defamation lawsuit

Sanu had filed a Rs 50 crore defamation suit against Bhattacharya and some independent media houses for allegedly writing, speaking, posting, publishing and disseminating defamatory, false and slanderous statements about him and his family.

Sanu had sued Bhattacharya over her September 2025 interviews on several YouTube channels in which she allegedly made scandalous remarks about his conduct during their marriage. These remarks were widely circulated through clips and reels.

The duo is legally separated. The singer, in his plea, said he has suffered immense financial and personal loss and mental agony, leading to the cancellation of his pre-determined shows abroad. Sanu further claimed he had remarried after his separation from Bhattacharya and wanted to protect himself and his family and, hence, was compelled to file the plea. The court has posted the matter for further hearing on January 28.

(With inputs from PTI)