Bengaluru Court Sentences Power TV MD to Three Months in Civil Prison
A court in Bengaluru Rural district has delivered a significant verdict in a defamation case. The court ordered the detention of Power TV Managing Director Rakesh Sanjeeva Shetty in civil prison for three months. This decision follows findings that Shetty deliberately violated a court injunction. The injunction specifically prohibited the channel from broadcasting defamatory content against senior Indian Police Service officer B R Ravikanthe Gowda.
Court Finds Wilful Disobedience of Legal Order
Principal Senior Civil Judge Abdul Saleem issued a detailed 22-page order on January 6. The judge concluded that Shetty, representing Power Smart Media Private Limited, knowingly defied an interim temporary injunction. This injunction was originally issued on September 8, 2023. Despite this legal restraint, Power TV aired programmes that portrayed the 57-year-old police officer in a derogatory manner.
The court stated clearly that the petitioner provided convincing evidence. This evidence proved beyond any doubt that the respondent willfully committed disobedience of the injunction order. The judge declared this while allowing the petition filed under specific civil procedure codes.
Defamatory Broadcasts Aired Despite Clear Injunction
The September 8, 2023 injunction explicitly restrained Power TV and 51 other defendants. They were prohibited from broadcasting, telecasting, or publishing anything defamatory against the plaintiff. The order covered any content that could negatively impact or harm the officer's reputation.
Despite this clear legal directive, Power TV proceeded to air programmes on September 22 and 23, 2023. These broadcasts referred to Gowda using highly derogatory terms in Kannada. They labeled him as a "dushta IPS adhikari," which translates to "evil IPS officer." The court examined photographic evidence showing the officer's picture in uniform alongside disparaging text.
Shetty Had Full Knowledge of Court Order
The court established that Shetty had complete knowledge of the injunction. Court records reveal that Power TV's legal counsel appeared before the court on September 11, 2023. This was just three days after the injunction was passed. The counsel sought time to file objections to the temporary injunction order.
On September 12, 2023, the respondent filed an interlocutory application. Therefore, the court observed that the defendant had knowledge of the interim order at least by September 11, 2023. This timing was crucial in establishing willful disobedience rather than accidental violation.
Legal Proceedings and Future Steps
The detention order becomes effective once Dr Ravikanthe Gowda deposits the subsistence allowance fixed by the state government. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for January 31, 2026. This indicates the legal process will continue even after the prison term.
Gowda's original lawsuit had sought multiple remedies. These included a permanent injunction against defamatory broadcasts, an unconditional apology, and Rs 20 lakh in damages. The court's current decision addresses the violation of the interim injunction specifically.
Power TV, headquartered at Yeshwanthpur in Bengaluru, has not yet responded publicly to the detention order. The channel's silence contrasts with the court's firm stance on upholding legal injunctions against defamatory content.
The judge considered the available circumstances before delivering the sentence. The court noted there was no material indicating that the respondent owned absolute property which could be attached instead. Therefore, detention in civil prison for three months was deemed appropriate.
