“Abusive and threatening language cannot be used”

According to the lawsuit, Kashyap used derogatory language directed at Khan’s professional integrity and personal character, as well as his family members. The lawsuit alleges that Kashyap referred to the Khan family as “convicted criminals” and members of a “jihadist ecosystem” in the interview. It also cited instances in which Kashyap used offensive language to describe Khan’s appearance, age and personal life, and allegedly compared him to notorious criminals. Specific derogatory comments were reportedly made against the actor’s father Salim Khan and his brothers Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan, the statement said.

The lawsuit seeks to permanently bar the defendants from publishing any further defamatory content or interviews and also to remove all controversial content and offer an unconditional apology.

The court, after examining Kashyap’s statements in the podcast interview, concluded that they are “prima facie of a defamatory, derogatory, abusive and insulting nature.” These statements degrade the plaintiff’s image in the general public, the court stated. The court further stated that the defendants had harmed the reputation of the plaintiff (Salman). He stressed that “no one can or should make defamatory statements against anyone’s family.”

On the free speech argument, the court clarified that “the right to free speech does not mean that one can use abusive and threatening language against any individual.”

So read – Abhinav Kashyap claims Salman Khan rudely asked Om Puri to leave Dabangg: ‘Salman refused to touch his feet in the scene…’

What did Abhinav Kashyap say?

Speaking on Bollywood Thikana, she said, “He doesn’t say anything while I criticize him, but his sycophants seem to have a problem with it. This man has destroyed his life to the point where it can no longer be saved.” Then he added: “Will a criminal like him play a soldier?” referring to Salman’s upcoming film Battle Of Galwan.

Abhinav has accused Salman of not paying his dues for writing Dabangg. In the interview he also accused the actor of kidnapping the film’s editor. “Salman kidnapped my editor and the editing machine and took him to his farm. He then allowed him to return only after the editor explained to him about the voltage fluctuations in the farm. Salman also once warned my editor, saying that if the director made fun of the film, he would shove a cylinder in his back,” he said.

Abhinav, who accused Salman and his family of harassment, had said, “These people harassed me to the point that I wanted to quit, because they wanted a reason to tell the media that I was not up to the mark and wanted to install Arbaaz Khan as director. But that didn’t happen. The credit goes to my friend Sunil Vohra, who introduced me to Arbaaz.”

(With input from PTI)