Allahabad HC Stays Defamation Proceedings Against Raja Bhaiya’s Estranged Wife Bhanvi Singh

The Allahabad High Court has stayed criminal proceedings against MLA from Kunda in Uttar Pradesh Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya's estranged wife Bhanvi Kumari Singh in a defamation case filed by her sister, after noting that the dispute has its roots in an ongoing matrimonial conflict between close family members.

The interim order was passed by the bench of Justice Saurabh Lavania while hearing an application under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure seeking quashing of a summoning order and charge sheet filed against Singh under Sections 500, 509 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code.

The criminal case traces back to a matrimonial dispute. According to the record, Raja Bhaiya had earlier filed a suit seeking dissolution of marriage under Section 13(1)(ia) and (ib) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. In response to the divorce petition, Bhanvi Singh filed a written statement in August 2023, in which certain allegations were made against her own sister, Sadhvi Singh, and her alleged relations with Raja Bhaiya.

These allegations later became the foundation for an FIR registered on September 4, 2023 at Hazratganj police station in Lucknow. The police registered the case under Sections 500, 509 and 120-B IPC and, after investigation, filed a charge sheet on July 3, 2025. On August 27, 2025, the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Lucknow, took cognizance of the offences and summoned the applicant to face trial.

Challenging these proceedings, Bhanvi Singh approached the high court, contending that the criminal case was an abuse of the process of law. It was argued that the statements forming the basis of the FIR were made in the course of judicial proceedings and in response to a matrimonial suit, and therefore could not attract criminal liability in the manner alleged.

The court, while considering whether interim protection should be granted, took note of the surrounding circumstances. It recorded that apart from the divorce proceedings, Bhanvi Singh had also instituted a separate civil suit seeking permanent injunction in relation to a property situated in Lucknow. This indicated that the parties were already engaged in multiple civil disputes.

Justice Lavania also referred to Section 22 of the Hindu Marriage Act, which mandates that matrimonial proceedings are to be conducted in camera and prohibits printing or publication of such matters. Sub-section (2) of Section 22 prescribes a fine for violation of this restriction. Court observed that this statutory provision was relevant in assessing the nature of the allegations and the manner in which they were sought to be pursued.

Another factor that weighed with the court was the submission that, if at all, the grievance of Sadhvi Singh lay in the realm of a complaint case rather than registration of an FIR leading to police investigation. Court further noted that the dispute was essentially between two sisters, and that the possibility of settlement through mediation could not be ruled out.

Without expressing any final opinion on the merits of the case, the high court held that the matter required detailed consideration. It accordingly issued notice to Sadhvi Singh and Raja Bhaiya both and granted them time to file counter affidavits. Bhanvi Singh was also given liberty to file a rejoinder thereafter.

Importantly, the court stayed the criminal proceedings pending before the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Lucknow, insofar as they relate to Bhanvi Singh, till the next date of listing. Court clarified that the interim protection would remain operative only if Bhanvi Singh complied with procedural requirements, including taking steps for service of notice within the stipulated time.

Case Title: Bhanvi Kumari Singh vs State Of U.P. Thru. Prin. Secy. Home Deptt. Lko. And 2 Others

Order Date: December 9, 2025

Bench: Justice Saurabh Lavania