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The Bombay High Court has directed media organizations and digital platforms to stop describing the iconic Bandra bungalow Aashirwad, once owned by legendary actor Rajesh Khanna, as "haunted," "cursed," or "inauspicious."

 

In an interim order issued on July 24, Justice Arif S. Doctor observed that such portrayals are prima facie defamatory and infringe upon the current owner's right to live with dignity.

 

The court granted relief to businessman Shashi Shetty, who purchased the property after the original bungalow was demolished and replaced with a newly constructed residence. According to the petition, several articles, videos, and social media posts have continued to associate the property with supernatural claims despite the fact that the original structure no longer exists. ALSO READ: Gulmarg: Rajesh Khanna-Mumtaz's 'Jai Jai Shiv Shankar' song famed Shiva temple gutted in fire (VIDEO)

 

Senior advocate and former Advocate General Birendra Saraf, appearing for the petitioner, argued that the new residence continues to be identified as Aashirwad, resulting in the spread of misleading and damaging content.

The petition specifically highlighted an online article that listed the property among India's "haunted houses." The petitioner contended that such reports harmed his reputation and caused unnecessary distress.

 

While granting interim relief, the High Court noted that the content appeared to have been created merely to generate sensationalism and was unsupported by any factual evidence. The court also observed that the respondents failed to appear before it to defend the allegations.

 

The interim order will remain in effect until the next hearing scheduled for August 21. ALSO READ: Rajesh Khanna epitomized romantic acting