Dharmasthala case: SC refuses to gag media, asks trial court in Karnataka to decide on temple's plea

The Supreme Court on Friday directed a trial court in Karnataka to reconsider, within two weeks, a petition by the Dharmasthala Temple administration seeking to block publication of allegedly defamatory reports in connection with the Dharmasthala mass burials case.

- PARMOD KUMAR

A bench of Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice Manmohan questioned whether a media gag was justified in the circumstances and made it clear that "any observations made by the High Court shall not influence the trial court while entertaining the application for stay afresh."

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the temple administration, told the court that television channels and social media platforms were "day after day" circulating defamatory content, and even displayed to the bench certain internet memes which he said targeted the temple and its management.