Actress R. Sukanya has received a significant legal victory as the Madras High Court upheld an earlier court order directing Sun TV Network to pay approximately Rs 10 lakh in compensation to her. The case stems from a controversial interview given by the infamous forest brigand Veerappan in 1996.
Background of the Case
During the interview, certain statements were made about Sukanya that she claimed were false and damaging to her reputation. She subsequently approached the court, alleging that the remarks were defamatory and caused harm to her public image and personal life.
Court's Observations
The High Court heard an appeal filed by Sun TV Network against a 2015 order passed by a Chennai trial court. The broadcaster challenged both the compensation amount and the permanent injunction granted in favor of the actress.
Justice K. Kumaresh Babu observed that the channel had the authority to edit the interview before broadcasting it. However, Sun TV failed to exercise this right despite having the opportunity to do so. The judge also noted that the broadcaster later expressed regret through a magazine but did not air an apology on its own channel. The court remarked that an apology on the channel would have reached the same audience that watched the original interview, as reported by Live Law.
Allegations Leading to the Case
According to Sukanya, the interview contained false claims about her personal life. Veerappan made defamatory remarks, linking her to the son of former Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao. She maintained that these claims were completely untrue and harmed her dignity and public image.
Sukanya further told the court that the controversy negatively impacted both her professional and personal life. She claimed that the interview affected her career opportunities and caused significant emotional distress. The ruling brings closure to a case that began nearly three decades ago.
