The decade-old legal dispute related to the personal life of Bollywood’s first superstar, the late Rajesh Khanna, has now reached its logical end. The Bombay High Court on Wednesday dismissed the plea filed by actress Anita Advani seeking recognition of her alleged ‘live-in relationship’ with Rajesh Khanna as a legal marriage.
Also read: Ramayana Teaser | Ranbir Kapoor’s glimpse as Lord Ram created a stir, Jai Shri Ram echoed from floor to ceiling |Bollywood Wrap Up
A single bench of Justice Sharmila Deshmukh dismissed the appeal filed by Advani challenging the 2017 order passed by Mumbai’s Dindoshi sessions court in the case. The sessions court had in July 2012 dismissed the actress’ civil suit seeking similar relief after Khanna’s death.
Also read: Crime 101 Did Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo’s heist thriller impress internet users?
Advani had claimed that she was in a ‘live-in relationship’ with Khanna for many years, until in 2012, his (Rajesh Khanna’s) estranged wife and actress Dimple Kapadia, daughter Twinkle Khanna and son-in-law Akshay Kumar evicted her (Advani) from the actor’s bungalow ‘Aashirvad’ in the metropolis.
legal implications
This decision further clarifies the legal line between live-in relationship and marriage. Under Indian law, long-term live-in couples are entitled to certain rights under certain circumstances, but there is a stringent set of evidence and legal parameters required to obtain recognition of a ‘marriage’.
conclusion
After this order of the Bombay High Court, the position of the Khanna family has become stronger on the claims related to Rajesh Khanna’s legacy and his property ‘Aashirvaad’. This is being considered a big legal setback for Anita Advani, because now she has limited options left to challenge this order.