Karnataka High Court Restrains Power TV From Telecasting Alleged Sting Video Of Former MLA A Manjunath, Cites Privacy Violation

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Published 28 October 2026

Case: A Manjunath v. Power TV and Others
Court: High Court of Karnataka
Source: LiveLaw

Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)

In A Manjunath v. Power TV and Others, the Karnataka High Court restrained Power TV from telecasting an alleged sting video of former MLA A Manjunath, citing a prima facie violation of his right to privacy. The court observed that the video's content, if telecast, could cause irreparable injury.

Ratio Decidendi · Legal Principle Established

The right to privacy, though not absolute, is a fundamental right. Telecasting a sting operation video without proper verification and without demonstrating a clear public interest that outweighs the individual's right to privacy can be restrained by an injunction, especially when it could cause irreparable harm.

Practice & Procedural Impact for Advocates

Advocates seeking injunctions against media broadcasts should emphasize the irreparable harm and privacy violations. Media houses must demonstrate a compelling public interest to justify broadcasting sting operations, especially concerning private individuals or matters not directly related to public office.

Key Legal Takeaways

1The right to privacy extends to individuals, including public figures, regarding matters not directly related to their public duties.
2Courts can issue injunctions against media broadcasts that prima facie violate privacy rights and cause irreparable injury.
3Public interest must be balanced against an individual's right to privacy when considering the telecast of sting operations.

The Legal Issue Former MLA A Manjunath approached the Karnataka High Court seeking an injunction against Power TV and others from telecasting an alleged sting operation video. Manjunath contended that the video was illegally obtained, doctored, and aimed at defaming him, thereby violating his fundamental right to privacy. He argued that the telecast would cause irreparable damage to his reputation and personal life.

Court's Reasoning The Karnataka High Court, after considering the arguments, found a prima facie case in favour of A Manjunath. The court observed that the content of the alleged sting video, if telecast, could lead to irreparable injury to the petitioner's reputation and privacy. While acknowledging the freedom of the press, the court emphasized that this freedom is not absolute and must be balanced against an individual's right to privacy, which is a fundamental right. The court noted that the alleged video pertained to private aspects and did not appear to serve a larger public interest that would override the petitioner's right to privacy. Therefore, the court concluded that an interim injunction was necessary to prevent potential harm.

What Follows The Karnataka High Court issued an interim order restraining Power TV and other respondents from telecasting, publishing, or disseminating the alleged sting operation video concerning A Manjunath. The matter will proceed for further hearings to determine the merits of the injunction and the claims made by both parties.