Is the Dharmasthala temple family's appeal to the SC justified after the restraining order was quashed?
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Synopsis
In a significant legal battle, the Dharmasthala temple family is contesting the Supreme Court's decision to overturn a restraining order against a YouTube channel accused of defaming them in connection to a shocking mass grave case. As tensions rise and the stakes grow higher, the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications.
Key Takeaways
- Dharmasthala temple family challenges SC ruling.
- Mass grave allegations spark intense media scrutiny.
- Legal battle raises questions about freedom of speech.
- Violence erupts between locals and YouTubers.
- Calls for a monitored investigation into alleged murders.
Bengaluru, Aug 7 (NationPress) The family managing the Dharmasthala temple has approached the Supreme Court to contest the annulment of a restraining order against a YouTube channel accused of broadcasting defamatory content concerning the mass grave case.
This issue is set to be addressed on Friday (August 8) by a bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai, alongside Justices S.C. Sharma and K. Vinod Chandran.
Harshendra Kumar D., Secretary of the Dharmasthala Temple Institution and sibling of BJP Rajya Sabha member and Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade, has filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) challenging the Karnataka High Court’s decision in this matter.
The attorney representing Harshendra Kumar stated that numerous YouTube channels are disseminating defamatory content against the family overseeing the temple operations at Dharmasthala, one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage destinations in the region.
The attorney further asserted that approximately 8,000 YouTube channels are engaged in a defamatory campaign against the temple authorities and requested that the matter be prioritized for hearing on Friday. The bench confirmed that the hearing is indeed scheduled for tomorrow.
The High Court bench, presided over by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, had previously annulled the ex-parte gag order pertaining to a YouTube channel in connection with the mass grave case. The bench noted that the lower court had issued a sweeping injunction that threatened to suppress any expression against Harshendra Kumar, his family, and the Dharmasthala area.
This situation has gained importance following heightened tensions in the temple town of Dharmasthala, triggered by an assault on YouTubers near the Nethravathi Pangala Cross on Wednesday (August 6) evening, linked to the ongoing mass grave investigation.
Authorities reported that local residents attacked the YouTubers, accusing them of disseminating false information regarding the Hindu pilgrimage site and its management.
According to officials, two to three vehicles were damaged during the incident, prompting police to use a cane-charge to disperse the crowd. Four individuals, including three YouTubers, were taken to a private hospital for medical care.
Subsequently, another group arrived to support the YouTubers, leading to clashes with the locals. The two factions engaged in fistfights and stone-throwing.
A significant development occurred on July 11 when an unidentified complainant—who claimed he had been coerced into burying the bodies of women and girls allegedly raped and murdered in Dharmasthala—appeared before a court in Mangaluru and recorded his testimony. He requested that the bodies be exhumed in his presence and alleged that the victims showed clear signs of sexual assault. He claimed that the bodies were discovered unclothed and exhibited injuries consistent with violent sexual abuse.
These shocking revelations have reverberated throughout Karnataka.
In light of these claims, a retired Supreme Court judge and several activists have called for a Supreme Court- or High Court-supervised SIT investigation into the alleged Dharmasthala murders, which may involve the deaths of multiple women, girls, and destitute men. This issue has ignited widespread controversy and garnered extensive media attention.
Point of View
It’s crucial to observe the ongoing developments in the Dharmasthala case with a balanced perspective. The appeal to the Supreme Court raises important questions about freedom of speech and the potential ramifications of defamatory content in the digital age. The situation is complex, and as the hearings proceed, it is essential to prioritize the truth while respecting the legal process and the rights of all parties involved.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue at hand in the Dharmasthala case?
The main issue involves the Dharmasthala temple family's challenge to the Supreme Court regarding the quashing of a restraining order against a YouTube channel accused of airing defamatory content related to a mass grave case.
Who filed the Special Leave Petition?
The Special Leave Petition was filed by Harshendra Kumar D., the Secretary of the Dharmasthala Temple Institution.
How many YouTube channels are reportedly involved in the defamatory campaign?
Approximately 8,000 YouTube channels are allegedly running a defamatory campaign against the temple authorities.
What triggered the recent tensions in Dharmasthala?
Tensions escalated following an assault on YouTubers near Nethravathi Pangala Cross, who were accused of spreading misinformation about the temple.
What demands have arisen from the revelations in the case?
Following shocking allegations related to the mass grave case, calls for a Supreme Court- or High Court-monitored SIT investigation have emerged.
