“We are inclined to protect the freedom of speech and expression. It looks like a simple case of political vendetta and this court would be failing in its duty if it does not protect the petitioner,” the bench said
NEW DELHI: Today( 12th July): The Supreme Court granted relief to a Kannada news channel, Power TV, which extensively covered the sex abuse case involving former JDS MP Prajwal Revanna and his family. The court stayed a Karnataka High Court order that had stayed Power TV’s broadcast, citing lack of a proper license.
READ ALSO: [Obscene Video Case] Bengaluru Court Extends Prajwal Revanna’s SIT Custody Until June 10
Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, along with Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, criticized the High Court’s decision as political vendetta and emphasized the protection of freedom of speech and expression.
“We are inclined to protect the freedom of speech and expression. It looks like a plain case of political vendetta and this court would be failing in its duty if it does not protect the petitioner,”
the bench said.
The Supreme Court issued notices to the Union government and others, and scheduled further hearings on Monday.
The Supreme Court emphasized its commitment to safeguarding freedom of speech and expression, characterizing the case as potential political vendetta. The court issued notices to the Union government and others following a petition by Power TV and others.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Union Government, argued that the issue of subletting uplink and downlink licenses was the subject of a February 9 show cause notice.
The Supreme Court temporarily stayed the Karnataka High Court’s order until Monday and scheduled further hearings. The High Court had previously restrained Power TV from broadcasting until July 9.
READ ALSO: [Sexual Assault Case] Court Extends Prajwal Revanna’s Judicial Custody for 14 Days
On June 25, Justice S R Krishna Kumar issued an interim order after hearing petitions from senior serving IPS officer Dr B R Ravikanthegowda, and JDS leader and MLC HM Ramesh Gowda and his wife Dr A Ramya Ramesh. The petitioners alleged that despite ongoing proceedings initiated by the central government against the television channel and other private respondents, Power TV continued broadcasting without renewing its necessary license.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting confirmed issuing a show cause notice in response to a complaint, noting that Power TV’s permission was valid until October 12, 2021, with its renewal application submitted on December 30, 2022, pending examination.
READ ALSO: No Bail for JD (S) MP Prajwal Revanna in Sex Tapes Case
Reports suggest that the channel, under the direction of Rakesh Shetty, has actively campaigned against Janata Dal (Secular) leaders Prajwal Revanna and Suraj Revanna, who face accusations of sexual assault.
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