The Karnataka High Court has once again directed the Union of India to strictly enforce its previous order that instructed a restraint on the media from telecasting or publishing any false or defamatory statements against actress Harshavardhini Ranya Rao and her father, K Ramchandra Rao, who is a senior IPS officer.
This directive came during a hearing on April 8, when Justice M. Nagaprasanna took serious note of the submissions made by the counsel representing K Ramchandra Rao. The counsel stated that despite the court’s earlier order, several media channels continued to run programs that portrayed defamatory content against him and his daughter.
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Earlier, the High Court had passed an order instructing the Central Government to take appropriate measures to ensure that media platforms do not circulate or broadcast defamatory statements targeting the actress or her father.
In response to the concerns raised, Deputy Solicitor General Shanthi Bhushan H informed the court that necessary instructions had already been issued to the media houses to comply with the order.
“If what the learned counsel would submit is correct, the Union of India shall ensure strict implementation of the direction as directed earlier,” the court stated.
The High Court has now scheduled the next hearing for the first week of June.
Ranya Rao was arrested in connection with an alleged gold smuggling case. Authorities reportedly seized gold bars valued at ₹12.56 crore from her possession at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. Following her arrest, a search of her residence resulted in the recovery of gold jewellery worth ₹2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to ₹2.67 crore. She is currently in judicial custody.
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In addition to the interim relief already granted, the court had previously restrained media from broadcasting any defamatory content against the actress until June 2. A similar interim order was passed in connection with a separate petition filed by her father.
The family, in their plea before the court, argued that despite the court’s clear instructions, several media outlets continued to act irresponsibly.
They requested the court to direct the Union Government to take effective steps to stop the media from airing or publishing defamatory content that could damage their reputation.
"The court has stated that it would take up this issue at an appropriate time and has now posted the matter for further proceedings in the first week of June."
The High Court had earlier expressed that it may consider issuing detailed guidelines at a later stage to guide Central Investigation Agencies, especially in matters involving women accused. These guidelines would cover precautions to be followed during investigations and in dealings with the print, electronic, audio, and visual media.
The case is being heard under Writ Petition Nos. WP 7582/2025 and WP 7804/2025.
