Bengaluru Court Sentences TV Channel Head to Prison in Contempt Case
A city court in Bengaluru delivered a strong verdict in a contempt of court case on Tuesday. The court found Power TV and its managing director Rakesh Shetty guilty of defying judicial orders. Judge Abdul Saleem ordered Shetty's detention in civil prison for three months.
Defamatory Broadcasts Trigger Legal Action
The case originated from a complaint filed by senior IPS officer BR Ravikante Gowda. Gowda approached the court with allegations that Power TV continued to air derogatory programs about him. This happened despite an existing injunction from the court.
A local court in Bengaluru had issued this injunction on September 8, 2023. The order specifically prohibited the Kannada channel from telecasting any unconfirmed or defamatory news against Gowda. The channel received clear instructions to stop such broadcasts.
Channel Ignores Court Order
Power TV disregarded the court's directive within weeks. On September 22, 2023, the channel beamed a news item targeting Gowda. The program used the term "dushta IPS adhikari" to describe the officer. This broadcast directly violated the September injunction.
Gowda responded by filing a contempt of court case against the channel and its managing director. He argued that the channel showed blatant disrespect for the judicial process. The court agreed with his assessment after reviewing the evidence.
Court Imposes Strict Penalty
Judge Abdul Saleem pronounced the sentence after finding Shetty guilty of contempt. The judge stated that Shetty must face consequences for his disobedience. The court ordered three months of detention in civil prison as punishment.
The court also directed Gowda to deposit a subsistence allowance for Shetty. This allowance must cover Shetty's expenses during his prison term. The state government will determine the exact amount of this allowance.
According to the court order, Gowda must complete this deposit by January 31. The judicial system aims to ensure basic provisions for detainees even while punishing contempt.
Broader Implications for Media
This case highlights the legal boundaries for media organizations in India. Courts expect strict compliance with injunctions and judicial orders. The verdict sends a clear message about the consequences of ignoring court directives.
Media houses must exercise caution when reporting on individuals, especially public officials. Defamatory content can lead to serious legal repercussions. The Bengaluru court's decision reinforces the importance of responsible journalism.
The three-month prison sentence represents a significant penalty for contempt of court. It demonstrates the judiciary's commitment to upholding its authority. The case will likely influence how media organizations approach sensitive reporting in the future.
