Karnataka HC cautions media over trial coverage in Actor Darshan case, warns against prejudicial reporting
Babushahi Bureau
Bengaluru (Karnataka), May 15, 2026: The Karnataka High Court has strongly cautioned the media against conducting what it described as a “parallel trial” in the murder case involving Kannada actor Darshan Thogudeepa, ruling that sensationalised reporting must not interfere with the due process of law.
Hearing a plea filed by Darshan seeking protection from what he termed a media trial, Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum observed that several broadcasts had gone beyond responsible journalism and were turning ongoing court proceedings into public spectacle.
The Court noted that some media channels were recreating courtroom scenes and selectively projecting accused persons and lawyers, while masking only the judge, thereby converting sub-judice matters into “televised entertainment.”
“It amounts to a calculated attempt at media-driven adjudication, creating a parallel narrative that can prejudice fair trial rights,” the Court observed, adding that such reporting “bordering on trial by headlines cannot be permitted in a rule-of-law system.”
Reiterating that freedom of speech is a constitutional right, the High Court clarified that it cannot extend to influencing or undermining judicial proceedings. The Court said the press must act as a watchdog, not assume the role of “judge, jury, and executioner.”
It further held that repeated and sensational coverage despite earlier warnings could amount to interference with the administration of justice and may even attract contempt proceedings.
The Court directed both the State Government and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to remove content found violating the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995. It also asked authorities to take appropriate action against erring platforms, including penalties and suspension of permissions where necessary.
A compliance report has been ordered to be submitted within 12 weeks.
Darshan Thogudeepa, currently in judicial custody, is one of the prime accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, which is under trial. The case relates to the killing of 33-year-old Renukaswamy in June 2024.