A Bengaluru court has issued a sharp rebuke to the media, barring 35 news outlets from publishing or airing defamatory content about Sandalwood actress Ranya Rao, who is entangled in a high-profile gold smuggling investigation. The temporary injunction comes in response to a plea by Rao’s mother, who argued that aggressive and speculative reporting was tarnishing her daughter’s reputation and undermining her right to a fair trial.
The court took issue with the way the media has framed the case, stating that sensationalized coverage has veered into the territory of a “media trial,” potentially influencing public perception and jeopardizing the legal process. Reports laced with exaggerated claims, misleading headlines, and unverified speculation were cited as factors contributing to a prejudicial atmosphere against the actress.
“The defendants are hereby restrained from making, uttering, speaking, writing, publishing, relaying, or telecasting defamatory statements or allegations,” the order declared, making it clear that media outlets must halt such reporting until the next hearing on June 2.
Ranya Rao’s legal troubles began earlier this month when she was taken into custody at Bengaluru International Airport following the alleged seizure of 14.2 kg of smuggled gold worth ₹12.86 crore. Further searches at her residence reportedly uncovered jewelry valued at ₹2.06 crore and cash amounting to ₹2.67 crore, bringing the total haul in the case to ₹17.29 crore.
The case has fueled intense public interest, with reports scrutinizing her frequent Dubai travels and purported access to VIP airport exits. However, with this latest court order, the media has been put on notice—speculation and trial by headlines won’t be tolerated.