Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has secured interim legal relief in his defamation case against filmmaker Abhinav Kashyap, after a Mumbai court temporarily restrained Kashyap from making or publishing any “derogatory” remarks against the actor and his family.
The order came on Friday after the court reviewed statements made by Kashyap in a series of interviews and podcasts released over the past few months.
What the Court Has Ordered
According to PTI, the court found that the remarks made by Kashyap were prima facie defamatory, abusive, and insulting. In its observation, the court noted that such statements lower the reputation of Salman Khan in the eyes of the public and cause direct harm to his image.
The judge also made it clear that freedom of speech does not give anyone the right to use abusive or threatening language, especially when it targets an individual’s family. The court underlined that no one should make defamatory statements about another person’s relatives, drawing a firm line between criticism and personal attacks.
Inside Salman Khan’s Legal Plea
Salman Khan’s lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction, ₹9 crore in damages, and an unconditional public apology from Kashyap. The suit also names two others, including social media influencer Khushboo Hazare, along with major digital platforms where the interviews were published.
The actor’s legal team argued that Kashyap released 26 video interviews and podcast appearances between September and December 2025, during which he allegedly made “scandalous, false, and grossly defamatory” claims against Salman Khan and his family.
Allegations Highlighted in Court
As per the plea, Kashyap allegedly used offensive language questioning Salman Khan’s professional credibility, personal life, age, and appearance. The lawsuit also states that derogatory remarks were made about Salim Khan, as well as Salman’s brothers Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan.
Some of the language cited by the court allegedly included references comparing Salman Khan to criminals and remarks that were described as abusive and threatening in tone.
After reviewing these statements, the court concluded that Kashyap’s comments went beyond criticism and entered the realm of personal defamation.
Freedom of Speech vs Defamation
Addressing Kashyap’s possible defence of free expression, the court clarified that freedom of speech and expression cannot be misused as a shield for harassment or abuse. While dissent and criticism are protected, the court said, defamatory language and threats are not.
The order temporarily restrains Kashyap from publishing or repeating similar remarks until further hearings in the case.
What Abhinav Kashyap Had Alleged
In one of his podcast appearances, Kashyap claimed that Salman Khan ignored his criticism while “sycophants” reacted aggressively. He also questioned Salman’s casting in his upcoming film Battle of Galwan, suggesting that someone he described as a criminal should not portray a soldier.
Kashyap further alleged that Salman did not pay him dues for Dabangg and made serious claims about harassment during the film’s production, including accusations involving the film’s editor and alleged intimidation. These claims form the core of the defamation dispute now before the court.
What Happens Next
Salman Khan has asked the court to:
- Permanently restrain Kashyap and others from publishing defamatory material
- Remove existing contentious content from online platforms
- Issue an unconditional apology
- Pay ₹9 crore in damages
Further hearings are expected as the court examines the matter in detail.
Final Words
The interim order marks a significant legal development in the high-profile dispute between Salman Khan and Abhinav Kashyap. By drawing a firm boundary between criticism and defamation, the court has reinforced that public figures — and their families — remain protected under the law from abusive and defamatory attacks.
As the case proceeds, it is likely to spark wider conversations around accountability, digital platforms, and the limits of free speech in the age of podcasts and viral interviews.
