In a significant legal development, the Cuttack Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court has dismissed the domestic violence case filed by actor Varsha Priyadarshini against her estranged husband, actor-turned-politician Anubhav Mohanty.
The court’s decision, delivered on April 24, 2025, marks a turning point in the high-profile case that has garnered widespread public attention.
The court, presided over by Judicial Magistrate Jaya Ray, found the allegations made under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, to be vague, contradictory, and unsupported by credible evidence. Priyadarshini had filed the complaint in 2020, seeking protection orders, monetary relief, and compensation amounting to ₹13 crore. She alleged mental and physical abuse, deprivation of necessities, and financial exploitation by Mohanty and his family.
However, the court observed that Priyadarshini’s claims lacked specificity and were inconsistent. The judge noted that her statements were generalised and self-contradictory, failing to establish any concrete incidents of domestic violence. The court also highlighted that Priyadarshini admitted during cross-examination that the complaint was filed after learning of Mohanty’s divorce petition, terming it a “counterblast.”
Further, the court rejected Priyadarshini’s claim for maintenance, citing her financial independence as a working actor in the Ollywood film industry. The ruling emphasised that maintenance is not warranted for self-sufficient individuals who can support themselves.
This verdict relieves Anubhav Mohanty, who had consistently denied the allegations. The case has been a focal point of public discourse, shedding light on the complexities of legal battles involving high-profile personalities.
