K'taka HC orders media restrictions on Ranya Rao coverage

The Karnataka High Court has asked the central government to limit media coverage that is harmful and false regarding actress Harshavardini Ranya and her father, K Ramchandra Rao. This decision comes as Ranya is involved in a gold smuggling case where she was arrested. The gold smuggling case began at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. Authorities found gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore with Ranya. Further searches at her home uncovered gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash. On March 12, Ranya's mother, H P Rohini, sought legal protection from the media's negative statements, which led to an initial court order against harmful coverage. Despite this, the family claims some media outlets continue to spread damaging stories. During a recent court hearing, it was noted that the media's approach might be seen as character assassination rather than factual reporting. The High Court referenced a past case involving actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, where they also restricted media reporting. In response to the family's concerns, the High Court has issued a notice to the media involved in this case. They have granted temporary protection to Ranya from further defamatory coverage and may create guidelines for how high-profile cases should be reported in the media. The case will be reviewed again on April 8.