Bengaluru court issues injunction against media over Ranya Rao coverage

New Delhi, Mar 13: A Bengaluru court on Wednesday issued an ex-parte temporary injunction barring 35 media houses from publishing or broadcasting defamatory content against Sandalwood actress Ranya Rao, who is currently under investigation in a gold smuggling case, reports Bar and Bench.

The order followed a plea filed by Rao’s mother, who expressed concerns that sensationalist media coverage was undermining her daughter’s right to a fair trial under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Rao’s mother argued that the ongoing media reports were distorting public perception and prejudicing opinion against her daughter.

“Under the guise of fair journalism, the defendant media houses are broadcasting and publishing news that is derogatory and defamatory to increase their TRP ratings. This amounts to a media trial and violates the accused’s right to a fair trial,” the petition stated. The Court, after reviewing media coverage of the ongoing investigation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), observed that several reports had crossed ethical boundaries and risked prejudicing Rao’s defence. The court noted that misleading headlines, exaggerated narratives, and speculative reporting had created an atmosphere of media trial, potentially harming Rao’s personal integrity. “The news articles placed on record show that the defendants are reporting on the investigation in a way that disregards judicial guidelines and interferes with the administration of justice,” the order stated as reported by Bar and Bench.

Finding a prima facie case in favour of Rao, the Court determined that the balance of convenience lay with the actress and that failing to restrain the media could cause her irreparable harm. The injunction prohibits the media houses named in the suit from making, publishing, or broadcasting defamatory statements against Rao until the next hearing on June 2. “The defendants are hereby restrained from making, uttering, speaking, writing, publishing, or telecasting defamatory statements or allegations against the plaintiff’s daughter, Smt. Harshavardini Ranya Rao, by way of this ex-parte temporary injunction order.

This order shall remain in force until the next hearing,” the Court stated as reported by Bar and Bench. The case follows Rao’s recent arrest at Bengaluru International Airport, where authorities allegedly seized 14.2 kg of smuggled gold valued at Rs 12.86 crore. Subsequent raids at her residence reportedly uncovered jewelry worth Rs 2.06 crore and cash amounting to Rs 2.67 crore, bringing the total seized assets to Rs 17.29 crore. Media reports have drawn attention to Rao’s frequent travel to Dubai and alleged misuse of VIP airport exits, adding to public speculation surrounding the case.