Last Updated:January 23, 2026, 19:20 IST

Kumar Sanu wins interim relief in Bombay High Court, barring Rita Bhattacharya and media from making defamatory statements amid a Rs 50 crore suit.

Court Pulls Up ‘Personal Tirade’ Against Kumar Sanu, Grants Interim Relief In Defamation Case

Bollywood’s melody king Kumar Sanu has landed a major legal victory, with the Bombay High Court stepping in to curb what it described as damaging public commentary against him. In a high-profile defamation case worth Rs 50 crore, the court has now drawn clear boundaries on what his ex-wife Rita Bhattacharya can publicly say about the singer.

On Wednesday, the Bombay High Court granted interim relief to Kumar Sanu in the defamation suit he filed last year, citing harm to his reputation due to a series of interviews given by Bhattacharya. Justice Milind Jadhav passed a gag order restraining her, along with certain independent media platforms, from “writing, speaking, posting, publishing or disseminating” any allegedly defamatory, false or slanderous material concerning Sanu or his family across any medium.

While assessing the content of the earlier interviews, the court observed that the remarks went beyond the limits of fair criticism. “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,” said Justice Milind Jadhav.

The court further barred Bhattacharya from circulating or uploading any allegedly defamatory or misleading content related to Kumar Sanu on social media, print, or digital platforms until the interim application is fully heard.

Representing the singer, advocate Sana Raees Khan told the court that the statements had caused significant personal distress and financial damage to Sanu. While the court agreed to stop any fresh statements, it declined the request to immediately take down the interviews already in circulation. The judge clarified that the issue of removal would be examined after responses are filed by the defendants. The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on January 28.

The defamation case stems from interviews Bhattacharya gave last year to Viral Bhayani and Film Window, where she alleged that Sanu had mistreated her during pregnancy, including claims of being deprived of food and medical care. Sanu’s legal team has strongly denied these allegations, describing them as false and malicious.

The lawsuit also points to the couple’s 2001 divorce agreement, which reportedly included a clause preventing either party from making allegations against the other. According to the suit, Bhattacharya’s statements violate this agreement.

Kumar Sanu and Rita Bhattacharya married in 1986 and separated in 1994, with their divorce finalised seven years later in 2001. The former couple has three sons.