Karnataka HC restricts media from publishing details of chargesheet against actor accused of murder

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday issued an order restraining the media from publishing, airing or broadcasting any details of the chargesheet filed against actor Darshan Thoogudeepa in connection with a murder case, reported Bar and Bench.

The order will remain in place until the next hearing.

The Karnataka Police filed a chargesheet against Thoogudeepa, his partner Pavithra Gowda and 15 of his associates on September 4. While Gowda was named as the primary accused person, Thoogudeepa was listed as the second, reported The Indian Express.

All 17 accused persons are in prison for the murder of a 33-year-old man named Renukaswamy, who was a fan of the actor. Renukaswamy had allegedly been sending abusive messages and comments to Gowda.

On June 9, Renukaswamy’s body was recovered from a drain in the Summanahalli area of Bengaluru. Thoogudeepa was arrested on June 11 for the alleged murder.

On Tuesday, Justice Hemanth Chandangoudar said that since Thoogudeepa was able to establish a “prima facie case for an ex-parte order” the Central government is directed to communicate the gag order to media outlets.

An ex-parte order is granted without waiting for a response from the respondents.

Chandangoudar also directed the Centre to take appropriate action if any media outlet violated the order.

The chargesheet was filed days after a Bengaluru court on August 27 allowed the police...

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