Udit Narayan's first wife takes him to court—case explained
24 Feb 2025

Renowned singer Udit Narayan is in legal trouble as his first wife, Ranjana Jha, has filed a maintenance case against him, alleging rights violations and unlawful possession of her property.

Although present at a hearing in the Supaul Family Court on February 21, Narayan declined to consent to any settlement.

This comes amid the "kissing fans" controversy surrounding the playback singer.

Narayan accused of extortion by 1st wife
Accusations

Per Navbharat Times, Narayan has refuted Jha's allegations by saying that her claims are false and that she is only making them to get money from him.

This isn't the first time he has been sued by Jha. A case was previously filed against him with the Bihar Women's Commission, which was settled back then.

The report also stated that Narayan had been financially supporting Jha, initially giving her ₹15K/month which he increased to ₹25K in 2021, among other things.

Jha longs to reunite, alleges threats and betrayal
Allegations

Through her lawyer, Jha said as she grows older and her health worsens, her only desire is to reunite with Narayan and spend her remaining years by his side.

Following the hearing, she addressed the media and said she felt ignored by Narayan. She alleged that he withheld ₹18 lakh from the proceeds of their land sale.

She also claimed that she faces threats and intimidation whenever she visits Mumbai.

Jha's claims of abandonment and unfulfilled promises
Unkept promises

Jha and Narayan married in 1984, but as his career took off, their relationship soured.

Jha alleged he slowly distanced himself, eventually denying their marriage entirely and leaving her abandoned.

In 2006, looking for security, she approached the Women's Commission.

While Narayan initially assured her of a home and money, she later claimed those assurances were never completely fulfilled by him.