New Delhi: In a significant legal development, a Bengaluru court has issued a restraining order preventing media outlets from publishing any defamatory statements about Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa. This order comes as Darshan faces an investigation in connection with the murder of Renuka Swamy. The court’s directive, reported by Live Law on Wednesday, extends to all media personnel including reporters, anchors, and any other individuals, prohibiting them from “printing, publishing, or telecasting” any defamatory content against Darshan, his wife Vijayalakshmi, or their family.
The court emphasized the premature nature of the investigation, stating, “It shall be noted that the investigations have not been completed and therefore it is too premature for the defendants to express any opinion about the guilt or otherwise of the husband of the plaintiff. It is well-settled law that doubts, however high, will not substitute for proof. Hence, it is too premature for the defendants to express any opinion about the guilt or otherwise of her husband in the alleged crime. It is improper to publish or telecast the information and news as if he has committed the guilt. Having regard to these aspects, an order of exparte temporary injunction is very much necessary.”
Vijayalakshmi, Darshan’s wife, filed a plea asserting that her husband has been wrongfully implicated alongside others in the murder case.
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Darshan is under investigation for his alleged involvement in the murder of Renuka Swamy, who was found dead at Sumanahalli Bridge in Bengaluru on June 8, 2024. Renuka, previously employed at an Apollo Pharmacy branch in Chitradurga, reportedly sent vulgar messages to Kannada actress Pavithra Gowad, a friend of Darshan. This led to Renuka’s murder, with his body allegedly being disposed of in a canal at Kamakshipalya, Bengaluru, in front of Darshan.
Further complicating the case, eight accused individuals have implicated Darshan, asserting his presence during the assault on Renuka Swamy. Subsequently, the Bengaluru police arrested Darshan in Mysuru on June 11, and he has since been held in police custody.
In a show of solidarity, Kannada actress Rachita Ram publicly supported Darshan, urging the media to remain “unbiased and transparent.” She expressed her condolences to Renuka Swamy’s family, stating, “I pray for the departed soul, Renuka Swamy. I hope his family gains the strength to bear the loss. I hope justice will be delivered in this murder case. Darshan introduced me to the cinema industry. He is like my mentor. I cannot believe that the person who used to correct my mistakes and guide me was involved in the case. I believe that the police will bring out the truth. Hope the media will remain unbiased and transparent in their reports.”
The court’s order highlights the need for responsible journalism and underscores the principle that individuals are innocent until proven guilty. As the investigation progresses, the media’s role in ensuring fair and unbiased reporting becomes increasingly crucial.
