Actor and filmmaker Sayani Gupta received interim protection from the Mumbai City Civil Court in her defamation case against filmmaker Vinita Negi. The court passed the order on September 3, 2026, after hearing arguments from both sides. The case involves allegations made by Negi about Gupta’s directorial debut short film Aasmani.
Gupta filed a defamation suit seeking ₹9 crore in damages. She accused Negi of making false and damaging statements about her film. The court’s interim order restrains Negi from publishing or sharing any defamatory content against Gupta.
Court Restricts Defamatory Material
Additional Sessions Judge Shudhirkumar Murlidharrao Bukke allowed Gupta’s application for interim relief. The court ordered Negi to stop making, publishing, or broadcasting any material that is defamatory toward Gupta. The order also applies to other defendants named in the case.
The court directed Meta Platforms and media houses to remove all posts containing defamatory content against the actor. The order covers content on platforms like Reddit and Deccan Chronicle as well.
The court made one important clarification. The order does not stop anyone from publishing verified facts. The judge stated that Negi has the right to take legal action against Gupta. She can also publish content based on true facts. The court rejected Gupta’s request for a blanket ban on all content.
The Dispute Behind the Case
The legal battle started after Negi accused Gupta of copying her work. Negi, a graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) , claimed that Gupta’s short film Aasmani had similarities with her unfinished documentary Prabha.
Both projects feature an elderly woman and a vintage car. Negi alleged copyright infringement and breach of trust. Gupta rejected these claims as “unfounded and scathing”.
The disagreement first went to the Screenwriters Association (SWA) in April 2026. Gupta’s plea states that while the SWA proceedings were still pending, Negi started a campaign against her. Negi circulated a ‘Statement of Support’ through WhatsApp groups and social media. The statement got over 250 signatures from film industry members.
Gupta questioned the validity of these signatures. Her plea states that none of the signatories had seen Aasmani. Some had not even viewed material from Gupta’s documentary. She argued that the signatures were obtained based on Negi’s narrative, not on independent comparison of the two works.
Impact on Gupta’s Career
Gupta claimed that Negi’s allegations caused serious damage to her professional reputation. The controversy affected the festival journey of Aasmani. The film was selected for screening at the Indian Film Festival of New Zealand. It was later withdrawn from the festival.
Gupta’s legal team argued that the defamatory content cast a false cloud over her professional integrity. The suit states that the allegations could affect her future career prospects. Dia Mirza is the executive producer of Aasmani. The film stars veteran actor Revathy.
What Gupta Demanded
In her defamation suit, Gupta asked for several things from the court. She demanded ₹9 crore in damages from Negi. She also sought the removal of all defamatory content from online platforms. Gupta requested a public apology and retraction from Negi.
She also asked the court to appoint a receiver. This person would take possession of copies or devices containing the defamatory material.
Legal Representation
Gupta’s legal team was led by Counsel Monil Punjabi. Priyanka Sinha, a partner at A&P Partners, worked with him. Advocates Bhavya Shah and Mujtaba Ambekar also appeared for Gupta.
Negi was represented by Advocates Sayali Shinde and Laxmi Jenkins.
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Next Hearing Date
The court has scheduled the next hearing in this matter for October 12, 2026. The interim relief will remain in effect until further orders from the court.
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