The Bombay High Court has restrained publishers, digital platforms and social media users from describing Bollywood superstar Rajesh Khanna’s former Bandra residence, Aashirwad, as “haunted”, “cursed”, “unlucky” or “ill-omened”, observing that such references are defamatory and infringe upon the property owner’s right to live with dignity.
Granting ad-interim relief to industrialist Shashi Kiran Shetty, who purchased the iconic Carter Road property for around ₹90 crore in 2014, Justice Arif Doctor directed defendants to refrain from publishing such content and remove the material identified in the suit. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on August 21.
In his petition, Shetty stated that despite demolishing the original bungalow and constructing a modern residence while retaining the name Aashirwad, several online articles and videos continue to portray the property as “haunted” and “cursed”. He also alleged that unauthorised photography and videography of the residence violate his family’s privacy.
The court observed that such publications create unnecessary sensationalism and are wholly unjustified. It also noted Google’s stand that it is not responsible for search result content and would remove material only upon a court order.
The sea-facing bungalow, once home to Rajesh Khanna until his death in 2012, remains one of Mumbai’s most recognised celebrity residences.
Source: Hindustan Times
