Top Court Refuses To "Gag" Media From Covering Dharmasthala Mass Burial Case
The Supreme Court on Friday refused to gag media from reporting on the Dharmasthala mass burial case in Karnataka.
A bench of Justices Rajesh Bindal and Manmohan, however, directed a trial court in Karnataka to decide afresh the plea filed by the secretary of the Dharmasthala Temple seeking removal of what he alleged was defamatory content targeting the family managing the temple.
The top court noted gag orders were passed only in extremely rare cases and asked the petitioner to place all materials before the trial court.
The bench clarified it hadn't expressed opinion on the merits of the matter The high court on August 1 set aside a gag order issued by a Bengaluru civil court restraining reportage on the burial case.
The gag order was over reports on the alleged murders of women in Dharmasthala in the state's Dakshina Kannada district.
The petitioner's lawyer alleged around 8,000 YouTube channels were running defamatory material against the temple.
Harshendra Kumar D, Secretary of the Dharmasthala Temple body, moved the apex court seeking removal of the alleged defamatory content.
On July 23, the CJI-led bench declined to hear another petition filed by YouTube channel Third Eye challenging a sweeping gag order that restrained media houses from reporting on matters related to the brother of Dharamadhikari D Veerendra Heggade of Dharamsthala in Karnataka.
The plea, filed against an ex parte interim order of a local court, questioned the legality of the directive which directed as many as 390 media houses to remove nearly 9,000 links and stories related to the Dharamsthala burial case.
The gag order was passed in Kumar's defamation suit alleging spread of false and defamatory online content, despite the absence of specific allegations against him or the temple authorities in any FIR.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara recently said a thorough investigation must precede any conclusions regarding the alleged murders of women in Dharmasthala.
The state government has constituted a special investigation team to probe the allegations.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
EC appointment process change fuels doubts about fairness: Gehlot
1 2 Jaipur: Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot Friday raised questions about the impartiality of the Election Commission during a press briefing in Jaipur. Supporting Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi 's allegations of 'vote theft', Gehlot said that the EC was working under the BJP 's pressure. Gehlot mentioned that doubts arose after changes in the EC's appointment process. If the appointments were made using the old method, these controversies might not have occurred. "Doubts arose as soon as the law was passed by Modiji (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) on how the Election Commissioner should be selected. When the Supreme Court suggested a committee comprising the PM, Leader of Opposition, and the CJI to select the election commissioner, this process would have prevented doubts. Rahul Gandhi wouldn't have had to raise these issues. However, the way the law was changed in a few days, replacing the CJI with union home minister Amit Shah, naturally raised suspicions. Following this, the behaviour of the EC has changed. Its bias is clearly visible. For the first time, the EC is discriminating against meeting opposition leaders. Its conduct towards the opposition is objectionable," said Gehlot. He said the situation has reached a point where democracy is under threat in the country. "All institutions, be it the executive, judiciary, or legislature, are under pressure," he added. "If elections are rigged institutionally with the collusion of the EC and the ruling party (BJP), where will democracy stand? There was a time when our experts conducted elections and trained officials from other countries. Now, the credibility is diminishing. Shouldn't this concern the citizens?" he asked. Accusing the BJP of systematically damaging democratic institutions through undemocratic practices, Gehlot said it was doing such things for its political advantage. He further alleged that the BJP's manipulation of poll results through 'selective rigging' and the 'use of money power' was a major threat to democracy. He noted that the closure of EC websites in states like Rajasthan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra after Gandhi's press conference on Thursday raises suspicion. However, the Rajasthan CEO website, which couldn't be opened in the afternoon, was working later. He said the EC should publicly clarify its stance. Gehlot suggested that instead of asking Gandhi for a declaration under oath, the EC should issue one to affirm its impartiality and resolve the controversy. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
Hans India
2 hours ago
- Hans India
Bigg Boss Star Files Complaint Over Death Threats
Dharmasthala: Former Bigg Boss Kannada contestant Rajath Kishan has filed a police complaint on Thursday night, seeking legal action against individuals who sent him death threat messages. The complaint was lodged following his visit to Sowjanya's residence in Dharmasthala on Wednesday. While speaking with Sowjanya's mother and exiting the premises, Rajath allegedly found himself caught in a confrontation with a group of people. The situation escalated, resulting in an assault on three YouTube channel personnel who were present at the scene, with Rajath nearby during the altercation. The threats extended beyond the physical clash, as Rajath revealed that his wife received menacing calls on her WhatsApp number. The case has been transferred to the CEN Police Station in Bengaluru's Western Division, where senior police officials have directed a thorough investigation into the matter. Rajath expressed confidence in the authorities, stating that the police have assured him of taking appropriate legal measures to address the threats. This incident adds to the reality TV star's recent challenges, highlighting concerns about his safety and that of his family. (eom)
Hans India
2 hours ago
- Hans India
Supreme Court Rejects Media Ban on Dharmasthala Case
Dharmasthala: In a ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court of India declined to impose a blanket ban on media reporting related to the controversial claims of bodies being buried in the forests of Dharmasthala village. The petition, filed by D. Harshendra Kumar, secretary of the Dharmasthala temple, sought to suppress defamatory content targeting the temple and its managing family. The bench, comprising Justices Rajesh Bindal and Manmohan, directed that the issue be freshly adjudicated by a trial court in Karnataka, stating that media restrictions are issued only in exceptionally rare cases. The court instructed the petitioners to present all relevant documents before the trial court for a thorough review. The petitioners' counsel alleged that approximately 8,000 YouTube channels are disseminating derogatory content against the temple, escalating the controversy. This follows a recent development on August 1, when the Karnataka High Court overturned a temporary injunction by a Bengaluru civil court that had initially restricted reporting on the alleged burial case. The Supreme Court's decision underscores the balance between protecting the temple's reputation and preserving media freedom, leaving the matter open for further judicial scrutiny in the trial court.
