- Wednesday, March 19, 2025
The family alleges that certain media outlets have continued to publish sensational and damaging content despite earlier judicial directives
By: India Weekly
KARNATAKA HIGH COURT has directed the Centre to take steps to prevent media outlets from publishing false and defamatory content against actress Harshavardini Ranya and her stepfather, K Ramchandra Rao, a senior police officer.
The order comes amid ongoing legal proceedings related to a gold smuggling case in which the actress was arrested and placed in judicial custody.
The case stems from an incident at Bengaluru airport on March 3, where authorities allegedly confiscated gold bars from Ranya Rao.
On March 12, Ranya’s mother, H P Rohini, had approached the civil court, which subsequently issued an ex-parte order restraining the media from making any statements against the actress until June 2.
A similar directive was later issued by the high court based on a plea filed by her father.
However, the family contends that certain media outlets have continued to publish sensational and damaging content despite these judicial directives.
Their plea before the High Court argues that instead of objectively reporting on the investigation, the media has engaged in character assassination of the accused.
In response to the plea, the court issued an emergent notice to all media houses named as respondents in the petition.
Additionally, it granted interim relief to Ranya Rao, effectively reinforcing restrictions on defamatory coverage.
Before concluding, the court indicated that it may establish guidelines outlining the precautions and safeguards that central investigation agencies must follow while handling high-profile cases, particularly in relation to media coverage across print, electronic, audio, and visual platforms.
The matter has been scheduled for the next hearing on April 8.
BJP MLA booked
BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal was booked for his alleged derogatory remarks about Ranya Rao, police said.
Based on a complaint from Akula Anuradha, the case was registered at a police station in Bengaluru under Section 79 (Word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against Yatnal on Tuesday (18), they added.
In the FIR, the complainant accused the MLA of using derogatory remarks about the actress while speaking to the media in Vijayapura on Monday.
Claiming that Rao is a multi-language actress and has respect in society, the complainant alleged in the FIR that Yatnal’s remarks against the actress were “objectionable, vulgar, and disrespectful.” (PTI)
