Bollywood, the land of glamour and fame, has also been home to some of the most controversial legal battles. From high-profile arrests to defamation suits, many celebrities have found themselves entangled in courtroom dramas that shocked the entire industry. Here are some of the most shocking legal cases and allegations in Bollywood.
1. Salman Khan – Hit and Run Case
In 2002, Salman Khan was accused of driving his car over a group of people sleeping on a Mumbai pavement, killing one person and injuring others. He was charged with culpable homicide but was acquitted in 2015 due to lack of evidence. However, this case remains one of Bollywood’s most controversial legal battles.
2. Sanjay Dutt – Arms Act Case
Sanjay Dutt was arrested in 1993 for possessing illegal weapons linked to the Mumbai serial blasts. He was convicted under the Arms Act and sentenced to five years in prison. After serving his sentence, he was released in 2016, but the case left a lasting impact on his career.
3. Rhea Chakraborty – Sushant Singh Rajput Case
After Sushant Singh Rajput’s tragic death in 2020, his girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty faced serious allegations, including abetment to suicide and financial fraud. She was also arrested in a drug-related case linked to Bollywood’s alleged drug nexus. Though she was later released, the controversy remains one of Bollywood’s most debated cases.
4. Kangana Ranaut vs. Hrithik Roshan – Defamation Case
Kangana Ranaut and Hrithik Roshan were caught in a public and legal feud when Kangana claimed they were in a relationship, while Hrithik denied it. The case involved emails, defamation allegations, and a legal battle that divided Bollywood. The case was eventually dismissed, but it remains one of the most talked-about Bollywood controversies.
5. Shah Rukh Khan – Wankhede Stadium Controversy
Shah Rukh Khan was banned from Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium in 2012 after an altercation with security personnel. He was accused of misbehavior and was banned for five years by the Mumbai Cricket Association. Though the ban was lifted in 2015, the incident created a huge media stir.
6. Raj Kundra – Pornography Case
In 2021, businessman Raj Kundra, husband of actress Shilpa Shetty, was arrested for allegedly producing and distributing pornographic content through mobile apps. He spent time in jail before being granted bail, but the case raised serious legal questions about content regulations in India.
7. Rakhi Sawant – Obscenity Charges
Rakhi Sawant has faced multiple legal troubles, including an obscenity case filed against her for dressing up as Goddess Sita in a controversial stage act. She has also been involved in defamation cases against fellow celebrities, making her one of the most legally entangled Bollywood personalities.
8. Salman Khan – Blackbuck Poaching Case
Apart from the hit-and-run case, Salman Khan was also convicted for hunting endangered blackbucks during the shooting of Hum Saath Saath Hain in 1998. He was sentenced to five years in jail but was later granted bail. The case is still ongoing in court.
9. Jiah Khan Suicide Case – Sooraj Pancholi
Actress Jiah Khan died by suicide in 2013, and her boyfriend, actor Sooraj Pancholi, was accused of abetment to suicide by her family. The case dragged on for years before Sooraj was acquitted due to lack of evidence in 2023. However, the controversy deeply affected his career.
10. Priyanka Chopra’s Alleged Income Tax Raid
Priyanka Chopra once made headlines when income tax officials raided her house in 2011, suspecting tax evasion. Reports suggested that she had undeclared assets worth crores. Though she denied any wrongdoing, the case shocked Bollywood fans.
Final Thoughts
Bollywood’s legal battles are a reminder that fame comes with its own challenges. While some celebrities managed to clear their names, others saw their careers and reputations take a serious hit.
Which Bollywood legal case shocked you the most? Let us know in the comments!