Jayam Ravi Divorce: As Media Speculates On Marriage, Madras HC Directs Take Down Defamatory Content

As rumours and unverified reports swirl around actor Jayam Ravi's marriage and alleged relationship, the Madras High Court has stepped in to curtail media intrusion.

The court has issued a restraint order, barring media outlets and social media platforms from publishing or discussing details related to the ongoing matrimonial dispute between actor Mohan Ravi (popularly known as Jayam Ravi) and his estranged wife Aarti Ravi, Live Law reported.

Madras HC Directs Media To Remove Defamatory Content

Issuing a John Doe order, Justice G.R. Swaminathan observed that although the dispute is entirely personal, Jayam Ravi's celebrity status has led to "every information being magnified and distorted."

Jayam Ravi and Aarti had publicly announced their separation last year. However, speculation reached fever pitch when the actor was seen at a public event with his rumoured partner, singer Kenishaa Francis. This appearance reignited media interest and online chatter about the nature of his personal relationships.

Following the public buzz, both Aarti and Ravi made public statements addressing the situation. Their exchange only added fuel to the fire, intensifying public discourse and media scrutiny.

The situation further escalated when Aarti alleged that Kenishaa was the "third person" in their relationship. In the wake of these accusations, Kenishaa Francis faced a torrent of online abuse, including death and rape threats. She has since taken legal action against the harassment, calling out those responsible for spreading defamatory and false claims about her.

Kenishaa's Cease-And-Desist Notice

On Sunday, Kenishaa's legal representatives issued a public cease-and-desist notice, warning social media users and digital platforms against continuing the abuse. The notice reads: "To all offenders: Cease and Desist Notice from Kenishaa's Legal Team."

The legal notice cites violations under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including criminal intimidation, sexual harassment, and defamation. It also references the Information Technology Act, 2000, particularly sections concerning privacy violations and the dissemination of obscene content online.

Kenishaa's legal team confirmed that they have collected comprehensive digital evidence - including URLs, usernames, timestamps, screenshots, and metadata - using digital hashing and time-stamping methods. This material, they stated, is ready to be presented in court or to investigating authorities, if needed.

By initiating legal proceedings, Kenishaa has taken a strong stand against the tide of cyberbullying and online defamation, sending a clear message about accountability in the digital era.

Meanwhile, the Madras High Court's directive seeks to strike a balance between media freedom and the privacy rights of individuals, especially in cases where personal matters are sensationalised without consent or verification.