AR Rahman gives one hour legal notice to ‘slanderers’

‘Mozart of Madras’ AR Rahman has issued a legal notice to individuals and entities spreading “false and defamatory” content about his personal life following his recent announcement of separation from his wife Saira Banu after 29 years of marriage.

Rahman’s original post on X carried a message about the dissolution of his marriage, thanking friends for their support. However, some social media users and YouTubers began sharing “concocted and highly imaginative stories” about the separation, which Rahman’s legal team claims are intended to harm his reputation.

Notice to all slanderers from ARR’s Legal Team. pic.twitter.com/Nq3Eq6Su2x

— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) November 23, 2024

The notice, posted on social media by Rahman’s legal team, addressed “To Whomsoever It Concerns”, demands all objectionable content be removed within one hour, with a maximum deadline of 24 hours.

Non-compliance, the notice warns, will result in legal action under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Offenders may face imprisonment of up to two years, with or without a fine.

The Oscar-winning musician’s team alleges that certain social media platforms and YouTubers have been spreading “calumny and defamatory” content about the musician’s personal life, citing “emotional strain” as the reason for his separation from his wife.

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The notice specifically targets individuals and entities on platforms on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X, and online news portals, for spreading defamatory and obscene content.

The legal team also mentions plans to file defamation suits and seek prior restraints on any further publication of defamatory content.

Earlier, the couple’s daughter, Raheema Rahman, also addressed the growing speculation through an Instagram Story, writing, “Always remember… Rumours are carried by haters, spread by fools, and accepted by idiots.” “Honestly, get a life,” she concluded.

Rahman announced his separation from Saira on November 20 through a statement on X, being grateful for the overwhelming support from well-wishers. The message read: “We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end. Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again. To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter.”

“We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end. Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again. To our friends, thank you for…

— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) November 19, 2024