Kumar Sanu welcomes Bombay HC relief against ex-wife Rita Bhattacharya in Rs 50 crore defamation case; Says statements ‘affected my reputation and family dignity’ |

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday granted interim relief to Bollywood playback singer Kumar Sanu and restrained his ex-wife Rita Bhattacharya from making defamatory statements or remarks against him.In a Rs 50 crore defamation suit filed by Sanu, a single bench of Justice Milind Jadhav on Wednesday said there was a “clear personal tirade” by Bhattacharya against Sanu. The court restrained Bhattacharya and the independent media houses from writing, posting or publishing any further defamatory, false, slanderous, or libellous statements concerning the singer or his family.

Reacting to the order, Sanu, in a statement to Hindustan Times said, “I am deeply grateful to the Hon’ble Bombay High Court and my advocate Sana Raees Khan for protecting my dignity.” He went on to add that his reputation was the result of ‘years of dedication’. He added, “My family should never have had to suffer because of the defamatory statements that affected my reputation and our dignity.”Kumar’s lawyer also issued a statement that read, “We are happy with the development and grateful to the Hon’ble Bombay High Court as this order protects Kumar Sanu’s reputation that he built with decades of hard work and public trust in him. We have always had and will continue to have faith our judiciary. The decision clearly reinforces the fact that dignity and reputation are legally protected rights.”Advocate Atif Shaikh, appearing for Bhattacharya, requested the dispute be referred to mediation, pointing out that the couple’s son was recently married.Sanu has sued his ex-wife over her scandalous remarks made on several YouTube channels, where she allegedly discussed his conduct during their marriage. The singer in his plea claimed that the allegations lead to ‘immense financial and personal loss and mental agony’. He even claimed to have cancelled his pre-determined shows abroad.Sanu separated from Bhattacharya in 1994 and finalized their divorce in 2001. He further claimed that he only remarried after his separation. The singer is now seeking Rs 50 crore in damages, claiming that Bhattacharya’s false statements harmed his reputation and goodwill.The court has posted the matter for further hearing on January 28.