Actor Hansika Motwani has approached a Mumbai sessions court, filing a civil defamation suit against her former sister-in-law, television actor Muskan Nancy James.
In her plea, Motwani has sought damages of Rs 2 crore and requested the court to restrain James from making any further statements against her. She has also asked for a public apology.
The suit, filed through her legal representative, alleges that defamatory statements were made on social media, accusing Motwani and her brother Prashant Motwani of domestic violence. According to the filing, these claims are false and have caused reputational harm.
Alleged Financial Dispute
As per the petition, the dispute is linked to an alleged unpaid loan of Rs 27 lakh. Motwani has stated that the amount was extended to James during her marriage to Prashant Motwani and remains unsettled despite repeated requests.
The actor has also clarified that she had limited involvement in her brother’s personal life and was not residing with the couple, distancing herself from their marital issues.
FIR and Counter Allegations
The legal proceedings follow an earlier FIR filed by Muskan Nancy James against her husband and Hansika Motwani. In her complaint, James alleged cruelty, harassment, and interference in her marriage, along with claims related to demands for expensive gifts.
She also stated that the stress arising from the situation affected her health.
Motwani has denied all allegations, maintaining that she was not part of any shared household and cannot be held accountable for the claims made against her.
Multiple Legal Proceedings
In addition to the civil defamation suit, Motwani has also initiated a criminal defamation case against James under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita before a magistrate’s court in Andheri.
Earlier, she had approached the Bombay High Court seeking to quash the FIR filed against her, stating that the allegations were baseless and intended to damage her reputation. The court has issued a notice on her plea.
Background of the Dispute
The case stems from the strained marriage between Prashant Motwani and Muskan Nancy James. The couple married in 2020 and have reportedly been living separately since 2022. Divorce discussions between them have also been indicated in court filings.
Motwani has further stated that she has been living independently following her own marriage in 2022.
Official Statement
A statement issued on behalf of Hansika Motwani noted that she has been affected by what it describes as prolonged defamatory content in the media.
It stated that her involvement in the marital relationship was minimal and limited to providing financial assistance in the form of a loan, which remains unpaid. The statement further claimed that she has been unnecessarily drawn into the dispute and subjected to reputational damage without substantiated findings.
The statement added that appropriate civil remedies have now been pursued, and the actor remains confident in the legal process.
What Happens Next
The matter is expected to be heard by the Dindoshi sessions court in Mumbai in due course. Legal proceedings in both civil and criminal courts are ongoing.
