Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has issued an interim order restraining Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam from making defamatory remarks against a developer in connection with a slum redevelopment project. The decision came after Nirupam accused the developer of engaging in what he called “housing jihad,” claiming that Hindu applicants were being rejected in favor of Muslim families.
Justice R.I. Chagla, while hearing the plea filed by Chandiwala Enterprises, found the allegations to be “prima facie wholly untrue.” The court noted that of the 67 residents of the Shree Shankar Society in Mumbai, only seven were Muslims, making Nirupam’s claims of a targeted campaign baseless. The judge observed that such allegations were communal in nature and had the potential to create disharmony.
The court also pulled up Nirupam for his conduct during the proceedings. Despite being served notices, he failed to appear earlier and even returned a torn copy of an advocate’s notice delivered to his residence. Justice Chagla remarked that such behavior showed “no respect for the proceedings of this court.”
Senior advocate Janak Dwarkadas, representing Chandiwala Enterprises, argued that Nirupam’s statements were damaging and intended to malign the developer. The court has now barred Nirupam from making any further defamatory or communal allegations while the matter continues.
This case highlights a growing concern over communal rhetoric being used to target businesses and communities. The interim order provides temporary relief to the developer and serves as a reminder of the judiciary’s role in countering false narratives that risk deepening social divides.
