Court Restrains Filmmaker Abhinav Kashyap from Making Derogatory Remarks About Salman Khan
In a significant legal development, a Mumbai court has issued an interim injunction against filmmaker Abhinav Kashyap, directing him to refrain from making or publishing any derogatory comments against Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and his family members. The court order comes as part of a defamation lawsuit filed by Khan, who has sought a permanent injunction and ₹9 crore in damages.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The legal action stems from a series of 26 video interviews and podcasts released between September and December 2025, where Kashyap, the brother of acclaimed director Anurag Kashyap, made bold allegations against Salman Khan. The two had previously collaborated on the blockbuster film Dabangg, which marked a high point in their professional relationship.
According to the lawsuit filed through advocate Pradeep Gandhi, Kashyap's statements in these interviews were described as scandalous, false, and grossly defamatory. The videos, broadcast on the Bollywood Thikana YouTube channel, allegedly contained derogatory remarks targeting Khan's professional integrity, personal character, and his family members.
Specific Allegations and Court Observations
The court, presided over by Judge P G Bhosale, examined the content of Kashyap's interviews and found them to be prima facie defamatory, derogatory, abusive, and insulting in nature. Some of the specific statements highlighted in the suit include:
- Alleged references to the Khan family as convicted criminals and members of a jihadi ecosystem.
- Offensive language describing Khan's appearance, age, and personal life.
- Comparisons of Khan to notorious criminals.
- Derogatory remarks against Khan's father Salim Khan, and brothers Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan.
The court asserted that these statements lower the image of the plaintiff in the eyes of the general public and cause harm to his reputation. It emphasized that nobody can and nobody should make any defamatory statements against anybody's family, noting that each individual has a right to privacy and protection of their image.
Court's Interim Order and Legal Implications
In response to Khan's plea for urgent interim relief, the court passed an ad-interim ex-parte injunction against Abhinav Kashyap and two others. The order temporarily restrains them from:
- Making, uploading, posting, or reposting any defamatory or slanderous content.
- Giving interviews, corresponding, or communicating in any manner that targets Khan or his kin.
- Publishing or circulating such content on any social media platforms.
The injunction will remain in effect until the defendants appear before the court and file their reply in the case. Additionally, the lawsuit has sought directions for the defendants and social media platforms to immediately delete all derogatory content and issue an unconditional apology.
Freedom of Speech and Expression Clarified
Addressing the contention of freedom of speech, the court clarified that the right to freedom of speech and expression does not permit the use of abusive and threatening language against any individual. This observation underscores the legal boundaries of free speech, particularly in cases involving defamation and personal attacks.
The lawsuit also names Khushboo Hazare and major social media platforms as parties, highlighting the broader implications of online content regulation. As the case progresses, it is expected to set important precedents regarding defamation laws and the responsibilities of content creators in the digital age.
With inputs from PTI, this legal battle between two prominent figures in the Indian film industry continues to unfold, drawing significant attention from both media and legal experts.
