Court restricts media from using 'Kundapura' in Hindutva activist Chaitra fraud case coverage
Bengaluru: The Additional City Civil and Sessions Court in Bengaluru has issued an order restraining the media from using the name 'Kundapura' while reporting on the case of Hindutva activist Chaitra, who has been arrested on charges of fraud amounting to Rs 5 crore for allegedly promising a businessman an election ticket from BJP.
The court's directive came in response to a suit filed by Ganesh Shetty, the owner of a coffee shop hotel in Basavanagudi, Bengaluru, and a resident of Kundapur. Shetty sought a ban on media outlets and social media platforms from mentioning the name of Kundapur in connection with the Chaitra case.
The court order temporarily prohibits the use of 'Kundapur' in news reports, media coverage, and panel discussions until further notice.
Chaitra and six other individuals were arrested by the police on fraud charges, and Chaitra also hails from Kundapur. However, the media has been referring to Kundapura while reporting on this fraud case, a practice that has raised concerns about tarnishing the reputation and dignity of Kundapur town.
The suit argues that this derogatory use of Kundapur's name by the media is harming the town's image and that media outlets are exploiting it for increased TRP ratings, likes, and views.
Ganesh Shetty, who has been running his coffee shop in Basanagudi for the past 23 years, has voiced concerns that the incident involving Chaitra may unfairly stigmatize Kundapur and affect future generations in the town.
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Chandrashekhar Swamiji apologises for remark on denying voting rights to Muslims
"If my statement has upset our Muslim brothers, I deeply regret it."
Bengaluru: Kumara Chandrashekharanath Swamiji, head of the Vishva Okkaliga Mahasansthana Mutt, has expressed regret over his controversial statement suggesting that "Muslims should be denied voting rights."
In a press release, Swamiji clarified, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
He further added, "Okkaligas are inherently tolerant of all religions. We have always treated people of every faith equally. Our Mutt maintains cordial relations with Muslims, and they frequently visit us. Similarly, we attend their weddings and other joyous occasions. Hence, there is no intolerance towards this community." Swamiji appealed to the public to disregard the controversy surrounding his remark.
The controversial statement was made during a farmers' rally, ‘Raita Gharjana,’ organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Karnataka Pradesh, at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, Swamiji had said, "A law should be enacted to deny voting rights to the Muslim community, and the Wakf Board should be abolished."
The remark drew widespread criticism from political leaders and the public alike. Following the backlash, Swamiji issued his apology, stating, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
