Karnataka High Court has refused to quash the defamation proceedings against Asianet News Network, its channel Suvarna News, and journalist Vishweshwar Bhatt, in a case filed by actress Divya Spandana. Justice S Viswajith Shetty of the Karnataka High Court observed that the broadcast depicted the actress as being involved in illicit activities such as cricket betting and spot fixing.
Bengaluru, Karnataka – The Karnataka High Court has refused to quash the defamation proceedings against Asianet News Network, its channel Suvarna News, and journalist Vishweshwar Bhatt, in a case filed by actress Divya Spandana. The case stems from allegations made by the news channel in a program titled ‘Betting Raniyaru’ (Betting Queens), which implicated Spandana in a cricket betting and spot-fixing scandal.
Justice S Viswajith Shetty of the Karnataka High Court observed that the broadcast depicted the actress as being involved in illicit activities such as cricket betting and spot fixing, actions understood to potentially harm her reputation.
“According to the complainant, the accused persons have made visible representation depicting as if the petitioner was involved in cricket betting and spot fixing, knowing very well or having reason to believe that the same is likely to cause damage to the reputation of the complainant. Therefore, it cannot be said that there is no prima facie case against the accused to stand trial for the offence punishable under Section 500 of IPC,”
the Court noted in its order dated March 4.
The origins of the legal battle trace back to 2013 when Spandana filed a defamation complaint against the media entities and Bhatt. The controversy escalated when, on June 13, 2016, a trial court issued summons to the accused, prompting them to seek relief from the High Court.
During the proceedings, Advocate Sudharsan Suresh, representing the accused, argued that the broadcast did not constitute libel or slander and was in line with reports from other media outlets. He claimed that the accused were protected under the fourth exception to Section 499 of the IPC, which states that publishing a true report of court proceedings does not equate to defamation. However, he failed to provide evidence that Spandana was actually undergoing court proceedings related to the betting scandal, a crucial point in claiming this exception.
The High Court’s decision to uphold the trial court’s proceedings underscores the gravity of the accusations and the importance of media accountability. The Court clarified that the intention behind the accused’s actions, whether or not they aimed to tarnish Spandana’s reputation, is a matter for trial.
This ruling highlights the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the right to reputation. It serves as a reminder to media outlets and journalists of the legal responsibilities accompanying their reporting, especially when dealing with allegations that can significantly impact individuals’ lives and careers.
As the case proceeds to trial, the entertainment and media industries, along with legal observers, will closely watch the developments. The outcome may set a precedent for how defamation cases involving media entities are handled in the future, particularly in instances where the line between reporting and reputational damage is blurred.
The case, involving high-profile figures and serious allegations, underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining journalistic integrity while safeguarding individual rights. As the legal proceedings unfold, they will undoubtedly contribute to the broader discourse on defamation, media ethics, and the protection of personal dignity in the digital age.
Case title- Asianet News Network and Ors v Divya Spandana
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