Bengaluru Court Shields Dharmasthala's Reputation from Defamation

A Bengaluru court has issued a sweeping restraining order against several media outlets and YouTube channels to protect Harshendra Kumar D from defamatory publications. This move comes amid allegations concerning unsanctioned burials at Dharmasthala, potentially tarnishing the revered temple's reputation.

The directive follows a defamation lawsuit initiated by the Secretary of Sri Manjunathaswamy Temple after allegations surfaced about a sanitation worker being coerced to bury bodies, although Harshendra Kumar D was not specifically named. The court underscored the potential harm such claims could cause to the temple and its various institutions.

Despite no formal charges being filed against Kumar or the temple, the court highlighted the delicate balance between safeguarding free speech and preventing baseless defamation. The court mandated the removal of the defamatory material online and issued a John Doe order against unidentified individuals. The next hearing is scheduled for August 5.

(With inputs from agencies.)