Destroying lives for TRP: HC raps media in KJ George defamation case
Karnataka HC told media it must apologise for unverified allegations in a defamation case filed by Minister KJ George, stressing that TRP should not trump responsibility.
Salar News

BENGALURU, 13 AUG
The Karnataka High Court orally reprimanded the media while hearing a petition filed by Ravi Hedge, Editor-in-Chief of Kannada Prabha, to quash the defamation complaint lodged by Energy Minister KJ George.
The minister had filed a complaint in 2020, alleging that Hegde, Ravi Krishna Reddy and NR Ramesh, President and General Secretary of the Karnataka Rashtra Samithi, made “baseless, reckless, and malicious allegations” against him.
Justice MI Arun, who was hearing the matter, suggested that an apology could resolve the matter.
“See, press people, you hold great responsibility. You shape public opinion and have the power to build nations,” the judge remarked orally. “Repeatedly, we see that for TRP ratings, media outlets sometimes compromise responsibility. You have a greater duty.”
Advocate S Sudharsan, representing Hedge, said that the case ought to be quashed because the editor was relying only on press statements.
However, the court remained unconvinced.
“Even clarifying that you only reported what was said in a press conference, without verifying its truth, is insufficient if it harms someone” the court remarked. “A proper apology should be issued and publicised equally.”
The court highlighted the power of the media.
“Press people should recognise their immense power. Your words can make or break reputations. Even if you do not earn huge sums, the impact of your reporting is significant.
Hearsay must remain hearsay and should not be presented as fact,” the justice said.
Advocate Sudarshan sought time to discuss the matter with Hegde.
The hearing has been adjourned to 20 August, with the interim order extended until the next date.
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