Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Sep 10: In a significant legal development, the High Court of Karnataka has issued an interim order restraining 38 media platforms from publishing, broadcasting, or disseminating confidential information related to the charge sheet against actor Darshan Srinivas. The charge sheet, filed by the Kamakshipalya police, pertains to the murder of Renukaswamy.

Justice Hemant Chandangoudar issued the order after Darshan's petition demonstrated a prima facie case for an ex parte interim order. Darshan sought this injunction to prevent media outlets from revealing sensitive details contained in the charge sheet.

The court has directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to inform the 38 media platforms of the order. The Ministry is also responsible for ensuring compliance and taking action against any violations.

Senior counsel Prabhuling K Navadagi, representing Darshan, argued that despite an existing temporary injunction issued by a civil court on August 27, which similarly barred media from publishing confidential details, the media continued to disseminate such information. This, Navadagi contended, violated legal standards of free and fair journalism and amounted to a prejudicial media trial.

Darshan's legal team asserted that the media's coverage was not only damaging his reputation but also interfering with the ongoing investigation. They criticized the media for conducting interviews and broadcasting opinions from retired police officers and former employees, which they claimed was designed to influence public opinion negatively.

Navadagi also referenced previous judgments from the Bombay High Court, Karnataka High Court, and the Supreme Court to support the need for the restraining order.

This court decision highlights the ongoing tension between media freedom and the protection of individual rights during legal proceedings.