A court order has temporarily blocked the circulation of allegedly defamatory content linked to the veteran singer while the legal fight continues. The dispute also pulls major digital platforms into the controversy.
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Veteran playback singer Kumar Sanu is once again in the headlines, but not for a nostalgic 90s hit. This time, the spotlight is on bitter legal fight involving his ex-wife, social media giants, and ₹50-crore defamation claim.
The latest twist? A court order that temporarily shields the singer from alleged defamatory content circulating online.
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A major development has emerged in the defamation case filed by Kumar Sanu. The court has granted him interim protection in the matter against his former wife Rita Bhattacharya, along with digital platforms Google and Meta Platforms, as well as several unidentified individuals listed as John Doe defendants.
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The legal action stems from a ₹50-crore defamation suit the singer filed against his ex-wife. According to the case, certain interviews and statements allegedly harmed his reputation.
Earlier, the Bombay High Court had already restrained Rita Bhattacharya from giving “contentious interviews” against the singer.
The latest order now extends protection by restricting the circulation and publication of allegedly defamatory material online.
Kumar Sanu’s lawyer, Sana Raees Khan, described the court’s decision as an important step in protecting personal reputation in the digital era.
She argued that social media platforms and search engines must take responsibility when defamatory material appears on their services. According to her, the interim relief ensures that the singer’s reputation remains protected while the case continues to be heard in court.
The order also instructs digital intermediaries to act according to the law and remove harmful content related to the case.
The court’s order does more than just warn people. It directs digital platforms to prevent the spread of defamatory content linked to the singer.
This includes ensuring that material violating legal norms is removed or restricted. The order also covers unnamed parties who might circulate such content online.
Interestingly, this is not the only legal fight involving Kumar Sanu.
In October last year, the singer approached the Delhi High Court seeking protection of his “personality and publicity rights.” The petition aimed to control the commercial use of his identity.
The request covered a wide range of attributes associated with him; including his name, voice, vocal style, mannerisms, images, caricatures, likeness, and signature.
The lawsuit alleged that several third parties were commercially exploiting the singer’s persona without permission.
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