Delhi HC seeks status report from Centre, Broadcasters Association on Rakul Preet's representation on unsubstantiated media reports

The Delhi High Court today sought reports from Central Government, News Broadcasters Association and other authorities on the status of representation by actor Rakul Preet on "unsubstantiated" media reports on her in relation to the investigation by Narcotics Control Bureau. (Rakul Preet vs UOI).The order was passed by a Single Judge Bench of Justice Navin Chawla. .The Court was hearing an urgent application moved by Rakul Preet Singh. .Rakul Preet has prayed for a direction to restrain media from publishing and broadcasting any news on her in relation to the drug case till the NCB completes the investigation and files an appropriate report/document before the competent court. .Appearing for Rakul Preet, Advocate Aman Hingorani argued that fake news was being peddled against his client which was damaging her right to dignity and reputation, right to privacy and right to be left alone. .Hingorani asserted that Rakul Preet was a teetotaller who did not consume any drugs and contrary to the media reports, has not named anyone before the NCB. .He also submitted that in spite of the Court's order, the authorities had not shown any urgency in deciding her representation on the issue. .Relying on the decision in Naveen Jindal vs Zee Media, Hingorani submitted that in view of excessive adverse publicity and interference with the administration of justice and fair trial, an injunction ought to be granted in Rakul Preet's favour. .The Court, however, noted that none of the channels who are allegedly broadcasting fake news were before it.."If you have a grievance against any particular broadcast, file an appropriate plea. These channels are not before me..", the Court said. .In response to the plea, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma submitted that while he empathized with Rakul Preet, who was not an accused, a balanced view must be taken by Court since the NCB investigation pertained to a sensitive matter. ."You are representing Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. You have power under Cable TV Act. She is saying that there are reports that are wrong.. She may be completely wrong. You can't simply say that this is a sensitive case.", the Court responded. .On being asked by the Court if the Ministry had taken any steps pursuant to Rakul Preet's representation, ASG Sharma said that the process of consideration had begun. .Counsel for News Broadcasters Associaion, Advocate Rahul Bhatia informed the Court that the representation would be considered on October 3. Bhatia also stated that some news channels were not its members and were thus outside its jurisdiction..Issuing notice in the urgent application, the Court directed all Respondents to file a status report on the steps taken by them on Rakul Preet's representation. .The report has to be submitted before the next date of hearing. .[Rhea Chakraborty Drug case] Hope media houses will show restraint, abide by Programme Code while reporting on actor Rakul Preet: Delhi HC.Earlier this month, while directing Centre and other authorities to decide the issue of "unsubstantiated" media reports raised by the actor, the Court had hoped that media houses would show restraint and abide by the Programme Code and other guidelines..The Court had directed Central Government, Prasar Bharti, Press Council of India and News Broadcasters Association to would expeditiously decide the issues raised in Rakul Preet's petition, including passing any interim direction..The matter would be heard next on October 15.