Karnataka High Court Upholds Case Against News Channel Executives
On Monday, the Karnataka High Court dismissed a petition seeking to quash a criminal case against executives of a Tumakuru-based news channel. The case involved a YouTube video allegedly depicting Deputy Chief Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara in a relationship with Tumakuru District Collector Shubha Kalyan IAS. Justice V. Srishananda presided over the case and refused to annul the charges against Prajashakti Channel’s Managing Director Shabbir Pasha and CEO V. Kusuma.
Strong Remarks from Justice V. Srishananda
During the court proceedings, Justice Srishananda expressed strong criticism of the language and suggestions made in the video by the petitioners. The court questioned the implications of such allegations on the dignity and reputation of the Deputy Commissioner and her family, especially her children.
Justice Srishananda remarked, “The background voice in the program is yours. You are the one who claimed that the Deputy Chief Minister is in love with the District Collector. Would it be acceptable if someone spoke like this about your family members? Do you alone have the protection of Article 21 of the Constitution? Don’t they?”
Legal Grounds and Accusations
The complaint, filed on July 2, centered on a video uploaded to the YouTube channel “Detective Legends” with the title “DCM Parameshwar Love Story.” The petitioners were accused of providing voiceover for the video, which appeared on a channel owned by Brahmananda Reddy. Legal charges were filed under Sections 79 and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with violations of the Information Technology Act. Two separate FIRs were lodged against the accused in different police stations.
Continued Investigation and Court’s Observations
Advocate Mohammed Tahir, representing the petitioners, argued that Reddy was the main accused and that specific allegations against his clients were lacking. Nevertheless, the court emphasized the necessity for the investigation to proceed. Justice Srishananda stated, “Don’t try to break someone else’s house. The daughters of everyone’s house are respectable. Let the investigation go on.”
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The court also questioned the portrayal of professional interactions between a female officer and a minister as a romantic liaison. Justice Srishananda asked, “If you say this about a Deputy Chief Minister, they will tell us (judges) tomorrow too. What sin has the District Collector committed? Is it wrong to be a woman?”
Concerns Over Multiple FIRs and Future Proceedings
The court expressed concern over the registration of two FIRs for the same incident and questioned the State’s rationale behind it. Justice Srishananda urged the State to retain one case and dismiss the other, instructing it to file a memo to that effect.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on September 11. The court’s decision underscores the importance of maintaining the dignity and reputation of public figures and the need for responsible journalism.
