The City Civil and Sessions Court in Bengaluru on Wednesday issued an order restraining the media from publishing defamatory material against Basava Jayamrutyunjaya Swamji. [Jagadguru Basava Jayamrutyunjaya Swamiji v. Samyukta Karnataka]

30th Additional City Civil and Sessions Judge Madhu NR granted a temporary injunction to prevent Samyukta Karnataka and other news outlets from publishing derogatory content against the pontiff of the Kudala Sangama Lingayath Peeth.

"It appears that the materials produced by the plaintiff reflects that the defamatory contents are made against the plaintiff though his name is not mentioned in the said derogatory contents. Further, the defamatory contents reasonably identifies or points to the plaintiff," the Court said.

As per a news report, the pontiff is currently facing allegations of sexual harassment and assault.

The Court noted the Swami's allegations that Samyukta Karnataka has allegedly published defamatory articles without any verification of the authenticity of content.

While noting the necessity to preserve the Swami's reputation, the trial Court granted an ex-parte temporary injunction until the next date of hearing scheduled, April 27.

[Read Order]