Karnataka High Court directs Centre to strictly enforce order to restrain media from defaming Ranya Rao, her father

Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday directed the union government to ensure strict implementation of its earlier direction for issuing orders restraining the media from telecasting/publishing any false, defamatory statement against actress Harshavardini Ranya Rao and her father IPS officer K Ramchandra Rao.

Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3, 2025 in a gold smuggling case and at present in judicial custody.

Two separate petitions filed by the parents of the actor contending that despite the civil courts passing a restraining order, the media was continuing to paint the character of the accused in all colours, instead of dissemination of information about the ongoing investigation.

While directing the union government to pass appropriate orders restraining the media from telecasting any false/defamatory statement against actress and her father, the court had indicated that it may lay down guidelines, setting out precautions or safeguards to be taken by the investigation agencies in such situations.

At the hearing on Tuesday, the counsel for Ramchandra Rao claimed that despite the order passed by the high court, the media channels are still airing programmes against him.

“If what the counsel would submit is correct, the Union of India shall ensure strict implementation of the direction as directed earlier. List the matter in the first week of June,” Justice M Nagaprasanna said. Deputy Solicitor General Shanthi Bhushan H, representing the union government, submitted that appropriate instructions have already been issued to the media houses.

Ranya Rao was intercepted at about 6.30 pm on March 3, 2025 at the airport and later arrested. The DRI authorities had recovered gold weighing 14213.05 grams valued at Rs 12,56,43,362, on her body, wrapped around her waist, calf muscles with the help of crepe bandage and tissues.