by Veteran playback singer Udit Narayan, one of the most recognizable voices in Indian cinema, has found himself at the center of renewed controversy after his first wife, Ranjana Jha, filed a formal complaint at the Women’s Police Station in Supaul, Bihar. The complaint, submitted on February 10, raises serious allegations dating back decades, including claims that a medical procedure was carried out on her in 1996 without her knowledge or consent.
According to Ranjana’s written application, she married Udit Narayan on December 7, 1984, under traditional Hindu rites. She alleges that the singer left for Mumbai in 1985 to pursue his music career and later married another woman, Deepa Narayan, without formally resolving their marital status. The complaint also includes accusations of neglect, emotional distress, and mistreatment spanning several years.
Authorities have confirmed that the matter is under investigation, and an FIR will be registered as facts are verified. Udit Narayan has not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of writing.
While the legal process is yet to unfold, the complaint raises significant questions—not only about the personal lives of public figures but also about medical consent, women’s rights within marriage, and the legal complexities of long-standing marital disputes in India.
A Marriage from the 1980s: The Beginning of a Long Dispute
In her complaint, Ranjana identifies herself as the 61-year-old daughter of Chandrakant Jha. She states that she married Udit Narayan in 1984 according to Hindu traditions. At that time, Narayan was still striving to establish himself in Mumbai’s competitive music industry.
The mid-1980s were a transformative period for the singer. Having trained in classical music and sung for All India Radio, he eventually rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s, becoming one of Bollywood’s most celebrated playback singers. His breakthrough came with films like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, after which his career soared.
According to Ranjana’s account, he moved to Mumbai in 1985 and gradually distanced himself from her. She claims that she later learned through media reports that he had married Deepa Narayan. When she confronted him, she alleges that he misled her and made repeated promises that were never fulfilled.
These allegations are not entirely new to public discourse. In the mid-2000s, there were media reports about a dispute involving Narayan and Ranjana Jha regarding marital status. At that time, the matter reportedly drew attention from women’s rights groups and legal bodies.
However, the current complaint introduces additional allegations, including claims related to a medical procedure in 1996.
Allegations of a Medical Procedure Without Consent
One of the most serious aspects of the complaint concerns an alleged hospital visit in Delhi in 1996. Ranjana claims that she was taken to a hospital by Udit Narayan and his brothers, Sanjay Kumar Jha and Lalit Narayan Jha, under the pretext of medical treatment.
She alleges that during this visit, her uterus was removed without her knowledge or informed consent. According to her complaint, Deepa Narayan was also present at the hospital during this time.
If proven true, such an act would raise profound legal and ethical concerns. Medical procedures, particularly those involving reproductive organs, require informed consent under Indian law and medical ethics standards. Consent must be voluntary, informed, and given by a competent individual after understanding the nature and consequences of the procedure.
Performing surgery without informed consent—except in emergency, life-threatening circumstances where the patient is unable to decide—could potentially constitute criminal wrongdoing and professional misconduct.
It is important to note, however, that these are allegations currently under investigation. No court findings or verified medical records have yet been made public.
Medical Consent and Women’s Autonomy: The Broader Legal Framework
The allegation brings attention to a broader issue in Indian society: women’s bodily autonomy and informed medical consent within marriage.
Under Indian law:
- Informed consent is mandatory before any surgical procedure.
- The patient must understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives.
- Spousal consent is not legally required for adult women to undergo or refuse medical procedures.
- A surgery performed without consent may attract charges under criminal law and medical negligence statutes.
Over the past two decades, courts in India have strengthened the legal recognition of a woman’s autonomy over her body. The Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld that reproductive rights are part of personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
If the allegations are substantiated, the case could carry implications not only for criminal law but also for medical accountability and hospital protocols of the 1990s.
Claims of Neglect and Denial of Entry
Beyond the medical allegations, Ranjana has accused Udit Narayan of long-term neglect and emotional mistreatment. She claims that in 2006 she was denied entry into his Mumbai residence. She also alleges that she was insulted by family members during a visit to relatives in Nepal.
Additionally, she states that she previously approached the Family Court and the Women’s Commission but felt that her grievances were not properly addressed.
Her statement to reporters was brief but pointed:
“You all know that Udit Narayan ji repeatedly makes promises but does not fulfil them. I deserve justice.”
These claims indicate that the dispute spans decades and may involve unresolved legal and personal issues.
The Role of Law Enforcement and Investigation
The officer in charge at the Women’s Police Station in Supaul confirmed that the complaint is under investigation. According to police procedure, an FIR (First Information Report) may be registered once preliminary verification of facts is completed.
At this stage, law enforcement authorities are expected to:
- Record detailed statements from the complainant.
- Seek medical records, if available.
- Question named individuals.
- Determine whether sufficient grounds exist to register criminal charges.
Given that the alleged medical procedure dates back to 1996, investigators may face challenges in accessing records or verifying details after such a long gap. However, the law does not automatically dismiss complaints solely because of the passage of time, particularly in cases involving serious allegations.
Public Figures and Private Lives: The Complexity of Celebrity Accountability
When allegations involve a public figure, media coverage often intensifies. Udit Narayan is not just a singer—he is a Padma Bhushan awardee, a National Film Award winner, and a voice synonymous with iconic Bollywood songs for over three decades.
His career includes thousands of songs in multiple languages, collaborations with leading composers, and a legacy that spans generations. For many fans, he represents nostalgia and musical excellence.
However, celebrity status does not shield individuals from legal scrutiny. At the same time, it also necessitates careful reporting to avoid prejudgment before investigation outcomes.
In India, high-profile personal disputes have often evolved into prolonged legal battles played out in both courts and media spaces. Balancing public interest with fairness remains essential.
Historical Context: Past Marital Controversies
This is not the first time Udit Narayan’s marital history has entered public discussion. In 2006, reports surfaced regarding Ranjana Jha claiming to be his first wife and alleging that he had not legally divorced her before marrying Deepa Narayan.
At that time, public statements suggested attempts at reconciliation or settlement. However, details of any formal legal resolution have not been widely documented in public records.
The resurfacing of allegations in 2025 suggests that the dispute may not have been conclusively resolved.
Women’s Access to Justice in Long-Delayed Complaints
Cases involving allegations from decades earlier raise complex legal questions:
- Why did the complainant wait to file a formal police complaint?
- Were earlier complaints addressed?
- Did social pressures or financial dependence prevent earlier action?
In many instances, women delay reporting due to stigma, fear, financial vulnerability, or lack of legal awareness. Indian courts have recognized that delay in reporting, particularly in cases involving intimate relationships, does not automatically discredit allegations.
However, proving events from decades ago may present evidentiary challenges.
The Importance of Due Process
As the investigation unfolds, it is critical to emphasize that:
- The allegations are currently unproven.
- Udit Narayan has not issued a public statement responding to the claims.
- Law enforcement is still verifying facts.
Due process ensures that both the complainant’s claims and the accused’s rights are examined fairly. Media trials or speculative commentary can undermine judicial fairness.
In cases of this nature, restraint and factual reporting are essential.
Medical Ethics in Retrospect: Standards in the 1990s
If the alleged surgery occurred in 1996, the investigation may examine medical practices and documentation standards of that era.
By the 1990s, Indian medical guidelines already required written informed consent for major surgeries. Hospitals were expected to maintain records of consent forms, surgical notes, and patient acknowledgments.
If documentation exists, it could play a decisive role in determining the facts. If not, the absence itself may raise questions, though it does not automatically prove wrongdoing.
Emotional and Social Dimensions
Beyond legalities, cases involving marital disputes and alleged medical misconduct carry profound emotional dimensions.
Reproductive surgery—particularly removal of the uterus—has lifelong physical and psychological consequences. It affects fertility, hormonal balance, and identity for many women.
If a woman believes such a procedure occurred without her consent, the emotional trauma could be significant. On the other hand, if consent was given and documentation exists, it could change the narrative entirely.
Until evidence emerges, conclusions remain premature.
The Media’s Responsibility
High-profile cases often risk sensationalism. However, responsible reporting requires:
- Avoiding definitive language before court findings.
- Presenting allegations clearly as claims under investigation.
- Providing context without speculation.
- Ensuring fairness to all parties involved.
This approach protects both the complainant’s dignity and the accused’s right to a fair investigation.
What Happens Next?
The immediate next steps may include:
- Recording a detailed statement from Ranjana Jha.
- Reviewing any past court or commission filings.
- Seeking hospital records from 1996.
- Questioning named individuals.
- Determining whether to formally register an FIR.
If an FIR is registered, the case could proceed to criminal investigation and potentially court proceedings.
Silence from the Singer
As of now, Udit Narayan has not publicly responded to the allegations. In many legal disputes, public figures wait for legal counsel before issuing statements.
His silence should not be interpreted as admission or denial. Legal strategy often involves allowing investigations to proceed before making public comments.
A Case with Broader Implications
Regardless of the eventual outcome, the complaint highlights several important themes:
- The necessity of informed medical consent.
- The complexity of long-standing marital disputes.
- The challenges of delayed reporting.
- The intersection of celebrity status and legal accountability.
- Women’s continued struggle for recognition and justice.
If the allegations are substantiated, it could reignite debate around medical safeguards and women’s rights. If they are disproven, it may underscore the importance of evidentiary standards and caution in public discourse.
Conclusion: Justice Through Process
The complaint filed by Ranjana Jha marks a significant development in a decades-old personal dispute involving a prominent public figure. It brings forward serious allegations that demand careful, lawful examination.
At this stage, the matter remains under investigation. Facts, documentation, and due process will determine the direction of the case.
In situations where personal history intersects with public life, the pursuit of justice must be guided by evidence—not speculation.
As Ranjana Jha stated, she seeks justice. As investigations proceed, the legal system’s responsibility will be to ensure that justice—whatever form it takes—is grounded in truth, fairness, and the rule of law.
