Nawazuddin Siddiqui's ₹100cr defamation suit against ex-wife, brother dismissed
What's the story
The Bombay High Court has dismissed actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui's ₹100 crore defamation suit against his ex-wife Anjana Pandey and brother Shamasuddin Siddiqui. The case was dismissed due to non-prosecution, as the actor and his lawyer failed to appear in court multiple times. The suit had sought damages for alleged defamation and loss of reputation, claiming that Pandey and Shamasuddin's actions severely impacted Siddiqui's professional and personal life.
Allegations
What did Siddiqui claim in the defamation suit?
Siddiqui alleged that his brother and ex-wife harassed him, blackmailing him with "cheap videos and comments on social media." He claimed these actions were meant to extort money and tarnish his image. The actor also accused Pandey of misusing funds intended for a production house for her own "pleasure and enjoyment." The suit sought a permanent injunction against further defamatory statements from the two, along with a written public apology.
Impact
Actor claimed he suffered 'huge financial and reputational losses'
Siddiqui claimed that the controversy caused by his family members' statements and social media posts led to "huge financial and reputational losses." He said that he was unable to release films, adding that he "himself feels very shy to come to social gatherings and come before the public at large." The actor also asked the court to order Pandey and Shamasuddin to reveal all those whom they allegedly told lies about him.
Property dispute
The case also involved several properties and vehicles
Shamasuddin, who worked as Siddiqui's manager, was accused of fraud by the actor. Per Live Law, "[Siddiqui] alleged that Shamsuddin and Pandey misappropriated ₹20cr." Shamsuddin was relieved of his job in 2020. "After that, Siddiqui [allegedly] received notices from Income Tax, GST for unpaid dues of ₹37cr that Shamsuddin failed to pay." The dispute also included flats and commercial spaces in Mumbai, a farmhouse in Shahpur, a property in Dubai, and luxury cars, among others, bought using Siddiqui's money.
Counterclaims
'Whole case was baseless,' said Shamasuddin's lawyers
Representing Shamasuddin, advocates Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh, Snigdha Khandelwal, and Farid Shaikh said, "The whole case filed by Nawazuddin was baseless, having no justified claims, it was only filed to pressure my client against their financial disputes." They argued the case was merely a tactic to pressurize their client in personal financial matters. On the work front, Siddiqui will next be seen in Thamma, releasing on October 21.