Rupali Ganguly, the actress best known for her role in the television series "Anupamaa," has been embroiled in a defamation case against her stepdaughter, Esha Verma. The legal battle, which began in November 2024, has seen recent developments, including Ganguly's visit to court to record her statement.

The defamation suit was filed by Ganguly against Verma, seeking ₹50 crore in damages, after Verma allegedly made "false and damaging statements" against her. Ganguly claimed that Verma's statements, disseminated across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook, were intended to malign her character and personal life. She asserted that legal action was necessary to protect her reputation.

Verma's allegations against Ganguly include accusations of physical assault and manipulation. Specifically, Verma claimed in social media posts that "Rupali physically hit my mother in Mumbai" and "She convinced my father to send divorce papers to my mother". She also accused her father, Ashwin Verma, of being "a very abusive man, physically and emotionally". These posts, which gained considerable traction online, cast aspersions on Ganguly's personal and professional integrity.

The roots of the conflict predate these recent events. A Facebook post from 2020 alleged that Ganguly had an affair with Esha's father, Ashwin Verma, while he was still married to Esha's mother, Sapna Verma. In November 2024, Esha revisited these allegations, labeling Ganguly as "cruel-hearted" and "psychotic". She further accused Ganguly of ruining her father's previous marriage, administering suspicious medications to him, and issuing threats to her family.

In response to Verma's accusations, Ganguly, with the assistance of her lawyer Sana Raees Khan, filed an injunction suit on December 13, 2024. The suit sought to restrain Verma from publishing, posting, or circulating any further defamatory content. It also called for media platforms to remove existing defamatory content. According to Ganguly's lawyer, the lawsuit aims to protect Ganguly's integrity and reputation from baseless and malicious allegations. Khan emphasized the importance of accountability, stating that the legal action serves as a reminder that no one can misuse public platforms to defame others without facing legal repercussions. The lawsuit followed a legal notice previously sent by Ganguly, demanding a public apology, monetary compensation, and the removal of negative social media comments posted by Esha. Sources indicate that the suit was filed after Esha failed to comply with these demands.

In January 2025, the Bombay High Court granted ad-interim relief to Ganguly, deeming Verma's actions a deliberate and unnecessary attempt to tarnish Ganguly's reputation. The court issued an order restraining Verma, her representatives, and any associated platforms or individuals from publishing or promoting defamatory content against Ganguly. Justice Arif S. Doctor, presiding over the case, called Verma's statements defamatory and malicious, warranting immediate judicial intervention. The court also prohibited Verma from using third parties or intermediaries to perpetuate any malicious campaign against her stepmother and restrained social media platforms, print and digital media from publishing any further defamatory content about Ganguly.

Most recently, Ganguly visited the court in Andheri, Mumbai, to record her statement regarding the defamation case. Her lawyer, Sana Raees Khan, revealed that Ganguly recounted the traumatic experiences she faced and how her reputation was maliciously tarnished. Khan had previously highlighted how Verma's interviews exacerbated the damage to Ganguly's reputation, career, and endorsement opportunities.

Esha Verma, who resides in the United States, has also spoken out about the defamation case, calling it "disturbing and cruel" and asserting her right to share her experiences. She criticized both Ganguly and her father, Ashwin Verma, while clarifying that she had not involved her half-brother in the issue. Verma also stated that she would not participate in any further interviews or discussions about the situation, focusing instead on healing and rebuilding her life. In a statement, Verma explained that her decision to share her story was intended to clarify misconceptions and address uncertainties, bringing clarity, peace, and liberation from years of silence.

The case is currently sub judice, and further hearings are expected to take place. The legal battle highlights the complexities of family disputes and the impact of social media on personal reputations.