Actor Rakul moves Delhi HC seeking to restrain media reporting against her

In her petition, Bollywood actress Rakul Preet Singh has sought an interim direction from the Delhi High court to ensure that the media does not broadcast any programme or publish, print or circulate any article or write-ups relating to her in the matter.

Mumbai (Maharashtra): Bollywood Actor Rakul Preet Singh, whose name also surfaced in the Bollywood drug case, has moved the Delhi High court seeking an interim direction to the respondents to ensure that the media does not broadcast any programme or publish, print or circulate any article or write-ups relating to her in the matter.

Actor Singh, in her petition, told the Delhi High Court that the media has continued its "slander campaign" by not only re-broadcasting and reporting the earlier falsehoods but also attributing statements to her during the investigation which she never made to the NCB.

The petition was filed by advocates Aman Hingorani, Shweta Hingorani, and Himanshu Yadav.

"Issue an ad-interim direction to the Respondents to ensure that the media (whether electronic, print or digital) does not broadcast any programme or publish, print or circulate any article or write-ups qua the Petitioner on the allegations which are pending before the Narcotics Control Bureau, Mumbai in the criminal investigation in Crime No. MZU/NCB/15/2020 till the time the Narcotics Control Bureau completes the investigation and files an appropriate report/document before the competent court," the petition read.

Earlier Singh has moved the Delhi High Court seeking directions not to telecast or publish on TV channels and other platforms any content related to the narcotic drugs case that maligns or slanders her image.

She also told the High Court that media reports are being run in contravention with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry guidelines.

The court had issued notice to the Central government, Prasar Bharati, Press Council of India and News Broadcasters Association on the matter and listed it for further hearing on October 15.

The bench had also directed the Centre, Prasar Bharati and News Broadcasters Association to consider Singh's plea as a representation and expeditiously decide it including any interim directions that ought to be issued.

The High Court had also expressed hope that TV channels shall show restraint and abide by the program code and other guidelines while making any report in connection with Singh.

The Central government has submitted that an order of pre-censorship ought not to be passed and that there has been no complaint from her under the Cable TV Act.

The actor, in her plea, had told the court that being a well-known Indian film actress and model who has worked in the Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi film industry, she has starred in numerous movies and won several film awards and acclaim over the years.

The plea has said that the petitioner is a non-smoker, a teetotaller, into fitness, yoga and meditation, is also known for her healthy lifestyle.

ANI REPORT