'Things More Important Than TRPs': HC Restrains Media In Sensational Child Abuse Case

Chennai - The Madras High Court issued a restraining order on Friday, emphasizing that "there are things more important in life than TRP ratings" while prohibiting media, YouTube channels, and digital platforms from interfering with the factual aspects of a child sexual abuse case involving industrialist Veeramani. The court's decision came a day after English TV news channels and other media outlets posted screenshots of Veeramani abusing a minor girl in a video clip. Chennai Police subsequently filed a case against the leak of the video.

Justice V Lakshminarayan, while expressing respect for the freedom of speech and expression, including the press's right to disseminate information, also highlighted the consequences of constant media coverage. He cited the Mumbai terror attacks, where media reporting aided law enforcement agencies in learning about the terrorists' strategies. The judge pointed out that while media has the right to report, the question of whether this right includes the right to a media trial must be addressed by the court.

Addressing concerns raised by Tulir Charitable Trust in a petition, the court directed an all-women Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by Director General of Police Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, to provide weekly updates on the investigation's progress. The judge emphasized the court's responsibility to ensure the protection of children and the accused while upholding the right to free speech.

Media outlets were instructed to refrain from publishing, broadcasting, transmitting, circulating, reproducing, or disseminating any video or screen grab related to the ongoing investigation.