The Bombay High Court on Wednesday in an ad-interim order, restrained Esha Verma and John Doe platforms from making or publishing any defamatory content against TV actor Rupali Ganguly.
Single-judge Justice Arif Doctor passed the order after it noted that the posts and interviews by Esha, the step-daughter of Rupali, were prima facie defamatory.
“I find that the posts, interviews etc are not only prima facie per se defamatory but also malicious since Esha has in the article dated November 29, 2024 being quoted as having stated that she had targeted Rupali. Additionally, Esha has not, despite service of notice not appeared before this Court. Hence, I have no hesitation in granting ad – interim relief in terms of prayer clauses (a) to (c),” the judge said in the January 15 order. So now, Esha, her agents, servants, representatives, followers, or any person acting on her behalf by an order are restrained from publishing, posting, sharing, circulating, or otherwise disseminating any defamatory, false, slanderous, or libellous statements, posts, videos, tweets, stories, or content against Rupali through any medium, including but not limited to social media platforms, digital and print media, or other public forums, either directly or indirectly.
Further even John Doe platforms have been restrained from perpetuating defamatory and malicious campaign against Rupali.
Notably, Rupali is the third wife of Ashwin Verma while Esha is his daughter from his second marriage, which lasted for nearly 11 years. In her various interviews, Esha has accused Rupali for being “controlling, possessive and psychotic” towards her father.
Rupali through her counsel Sana Khan has contended that with each passing day, the damage to the her reputation was being compounded. Khan further argued that Esha’s conduct was also gravely prejudicing and imperilling Rupali’s career.
Appearance:Advocates Sana Khan and Neha Balani appeared for Rupali Ganguly.
Case Title: Rupali Ganguly vs Esha Verma (Suit (L) 37958 of 2024)