Bombay High Court Steps Into Salman Khan Dispute, Orders Panvel Neighbour to Remove ‘Defamatory’ Posts

In a significant development in the long-running dispute involving Bollywood star Salman Khan, the Bombay High Court has urged his Panvel farmhouse neighbour Ketan Kakkad to delete allegedly defamatory social media posts against the actor.

The court, while hearing a fresh appeal, made strong observations about the misuse of digital platforms, stating that “access to social media does not entitle anyone to post defamatory content about anyone, including celebrities”.

A single-judge bench led by Justice Sharmila Deshmukh questioned why individuals resort to posting grievances online instead of approaching the appropriate authorities. The court also indicated that if the content was uploaded or circulated by third parties, intermediaries must act to remove such material.

What is the dispute about?

The feud between Salman Khan and his neighbour dates back several years and revolves around allegations related to a property dispute near the actor’s farmhouse in Panvel. Kakkad has accused Salman of violating environmental norms and restricting access to his property, claims which the actor has strongly denied.

The High Court was hearing an appeal filed by Salman Khan against a 2022 civil court order that had refused to grant him interim relief in a defamation suit against Kakkad. The actor had approached the court over tweets and YouTube videos that he claimed were not only defamatory but also “communally provocative”.

During earlier proceedings, Salman alleged that the statements made against him were false, speculative, and inflammatory, intended to damage his reputation and provoke communal sentiments.

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Serious allegations and strong response

According to submissions made in court, Kakkad had levelled a series of serious allegations, including claims linking the actor to criminal networks and making remarks about his religious identity.

Responding firmly, Salman Khan, through his legal counsel, stated:
“Without proper proof, all these allegations are a figment of the defendant’s imagination. In a property dispute, why are you tarnishing my personal reputation?”

He further added, highlighting his family’s diverse background:
“My mother is a Hindu, my father is a Muslim… We celebrate all festivals.”

The court has now posted the next hearing for July 6, where further arguments in the case will be heard.

What lies ahead?

While the legal battle continues, the High Court’s observations underline the increasing scrutiny on social media conduct, especially in cases involving public figures. The outcome of the case could set an important precedent regarding defamation and digital accountability.

On the professional front, Salman Khan was last seen in the 2025 film Sikandar and is expected to appear next in upcoming projects, including “Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace”.