The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday refused to stay the criminal proceedings against Dr Sharanya Padma, a Bengaluru-based doctor, who was booked for allegedly creating and posting reels on social media that disparaged Nandini milk, a product of the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF). The court observed that the matter required investigation and declined to quash the First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Malleswaram police.
Petitioner challenged FIR under BNS Section 353(1)(b)
Dr Sharanya Padma had approached the High Court seeking to quash the FIR registered against her under Section 353(1)(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with statements conducing to public mischief. The petitioner argued that her social media posts were merely her personal opinion and did not intend to cause any harm or public mischief. She contended that the FIR was a result of a misunderstanding and that her reels were based on factual information.
However, the state government opposed the plea, stating that the reels contained false and misleading information about Nandini milk, which could potentially harm the reputation of the KMF and affect public confidence in the product. The government argued that such posts could lead to unrest and public mischief, warranting a thorough investigation.
High Court’s observation and order
Justice M. Nagaprasanna, hearing the petition, noted that the allegations involved claims that could potentially impact public health and the dairy industry. The court observed, “The petitioner’s reels appear to make assertions about the quality of Nandini milk. Whether these assertions are true or false can only be determined after a proper investigation. At this stage, it is not appropriate to quash the FIR.” The judge clarified that the court was not expressing any opinion on the merits of the case but only refusing to grant interim relief.
The court directed the police to complete the investigation within eight weeks and file a report. It also granted liberty to the petitioner to approach the court again after the investigation is complete, if necessary.
Background of the case
The FIR was registered on June 15, 2026, based on a complaint from a KMF official, who alleged that Dr Sharanya Padma’s reels contained false statements about the quality and safety of Nandini milk, including claims about adulteration and use of preservatives. The complainant argued that these posts had the potential to incite public anger and damage the trust in a widely consumed dairy product. The police had registered the case under BNS Section 353(1)(b), which penalizes acts that cause or are likely to cause public harm or mischief.
Dr Padma, in her defense, stated that her reels were based on her personal experience and she had not intended to spread misinformation. She claimed that she had merely shared her views on the quality of milk and had not named any specific brand in a defamatory manner. However, the court noted that the content of the reels explicitly referred to Nandini milk and could be interpreted as an attack on the product’s integrity.
Implications and reactions
Legal experts suggest that the High Court’s refusal to stay the case indicates that courts are taking a serious view of social media posts that could affect public confidence in essential commodities. The case also highlights the growing tension between freedom of expression and the need to prevent misinformation, especially concerning food products.
Dr Padma’s lawyer stated that they would respect the court’s order and cooperate with the investigation. Meanwhile, KMF officials welcomed the decision, stating that it would help protect the brand’s reputation. The case is expected to be heard again after the police submit their investigation report.
