In a significant development in Bollywood's legal landscape, superstar Salman Khan has initiated a defamation lawsuit against filmmaker Abhinav Kashyap and two others. The legal action comes in response to what Khan describes as "scandalous, false, and grossly defamatory" statements made by Kashyap in a series of interviews and podcasts released between September and December 2025.
Court Issues Temporary Restraining Order
A Mumbai court has taken swift action in the matter, temporarily barring Abhinav Kashyap from making or publishing any further "derogatory" comments against Salman Khan and his family members. The interim order was passed on Friday after the court reviewed the contentious statements, finding them "prima facie defamatory, derogatory, abusive and insulting in nature."
The court emphasized that these statements have significantly lowered the plaintiff's image in the eyes of the general public and have caused harm to Salman Khan's reputation. In a strong observation, the court stated that "nobody can and nobody should make any defamatory statements against anybody's family."
Substantial Financial Damages Sought
Salman Khan's legal team has made substantial demands in the lawsuit, seeking a permanent injunction against the defendants from publishing any further defamatory content. The actor has specifically requested Rs 9 crore in damages for the harm caused to his reputation and professional standing.
Additionally, Khan has demanded that all contentious content be removed from public platforms and that the defendants tender an unconditional apology. The lawsuit names not only Abhinav Kashyap but also Khushboo Hazare and major social media platforms as defendants, indicating the comprehensive nature of the legal action.
Allegations of Extreme Language and Personal Attacks
The court documents reveal disturbing details about the nature of Kashyap's statements. According to the lawsuit, Kashyap used highly offensive language targeting Khan's professional integrity, personal character, and family members. Specific allegations include Kashyap referring to the Khan family as "convicted criminals" and members of a "jihadi ecosystem."
The derogatory remarks reportedly extended to Khan's physical appearance, age, and personal life, with the filmmaker allegedly comparing the actor to notorious criminals. The lawsuit also claims that Kashyap made specific offensive comments about Salman Khan's father Salim Khan and siblings Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan.
Freedom of Speech Clarification from Court
Addressing concerns about freedom of expression, the court provided important clarification on the boundaries of speech rights. The court stated unequivocally that "the right to freedom of speech and expression doesn't mean that one can use abusive and threatening language against any individual."
This observation establishes a clear legal precedent regarding the limits of free speech when it comes to personal attacks and defamatory statements against individuals and their families.
Background of the Conflict
The legal battle stems from long-standing tensions between the two industry professionals. Abhinav Kashyap, who co-wrote the blockbuster film "Dabangg," has previously accused Salman Khan of not paying his dues for his work on the project. In the controversial interviews, Kashyap made additional serious allegations against the actor.
Kashyap claimed that Salman Khan had "kidnapped" the editor of "Dabangg" and taken him to his farmhouse, only allowing him to return after explaining voltage fluctuation issues. The filmmaker also alleged that Khan threatened the editor with physical violence, saying he would "push cylinder in his back" if the director "teased with the film."
Professional Harassment Allegations
In his interviews, Abhinav Kashyap elaborated on what he described as systematic harassment by Salman Khan and his family. He claimed that the Khans harassed him "to the point where I wanted to quit" because they allegedly wanted to install Arbaaz Khan as the director of "Dabangg."
Kashyap specifically mentioned his upcoming film "Battle of Galwan," questioning how "a criminal like him will play a soldier?" These statements form a significant part of the defamation case, as they directly attack Khan's professional capabilities and personal character.
Industry Implications and Legal Precedent
This high-profile case represents a landmark moment in Bollywood's relationship with media and public commentary. The court's strong stance against derogatory personal attacks sets an important precedent for how public figures can protect their reputation while balancing freedom of expression concerns.
The lawsuit's comprehensive approach, targeting not just the individual making the statements but also platforms hosting the content, indicates a strategic legal response to the challenges of digital media dissemination. As the case progresses through the legal system, it will likely establish important guidelines for celebrity-media interactions in India's entertainment industry.
