Madras High Court Imposes ₹10 Lakh Fine on Sun TV for Privacy Violation Chennai: The Madras High Court has ruled in favor of actress Sukanya, imposing a ₹10 lakh fine on Sun TV for violating her privacy through a 1996 interview that contained defamatory remarks. The verdict, delivered by Justice K. Kumaresan, marks the conclusion of a 30-year legal battle that has spanned multiple court cases and public controversies. The court emphasized that media outlets bear responsibility for editorial control and the consequences of their content, particularly when it involves personal privacy and reputational harm. The case originated from an interview conducted in April 1996 as part of Sun TV’s “Nerukku Ner” program. The segment featured a controversial conversation with Veerappan, a notorious forest brigand, who accused Sukanya of having an extramarital affair with the son of former Prime Minister P. V. Narasimhan. Veerappan alleged that the relationship was recorded and used for political purposes, claiming it damaged Sukanya’s reputation and caused her emotional distress. Sukanya contested the claims, leading to a prolonged legal dispute. Sun TV initially defended itself, arguing that it merely aired the interview as recorded by the show’s editor, R. R. Gopal. The channel claimed it had no editorial control over the content and that the program was a factual report. However, the Madras High Court rejected this defense, stating that the channel had full authority to edit, modify, or omit parts of the interview. The court clarified that editorial control inherently carries the responsibility of ensuring content does not infringe on an individual’s privacy or dignity. The court also criticized Sun TV for failing to verify the accuracy of the allegations before broadcasting the interview.#madras_high_court #sukanya #sun_tv #veerappan #p_v_narasimhan
Sukanya's Legal Battle Concludes with Compensation Order Sukanya, a former heroine who gained fame in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema, has spent the last three decades navigating a legal battle that has spanned multiple court cases. The latest development in her long-standing dispute has resulted in a final verdict, with the court ordering her to receive compensation of ₹10 lakh for damages sustained. The case originated from a 1996 interview conducted by the Sun TV network for its show "Nerukku Ner." During the interview, the program's host, Veerapppan, made remarks about Sukanya that she claimed tarnished her reputation. Frustrated by the negative impact on her public image, Sukanya filed a lawsuit against the network, initiating a protracted legal battle. In 2015, a trial court ruled in her favor, directing Sun TV to compensate her for the harm caused. However, the network appealed the decision, leading to a higher court review. Recently, the Madras High Court dismissed the appeal, affirming the original ruling. This decision marks the culmination of Sukanya's legal efforts, ensuring she receives the compensation she sought. The court's ruling included a notable observation regarding Sun TV's responsibility. It emphasized that the network had full control over the content aired and was obligated to review material before broadcast to prevent harm to individuals' reputations. Despite this, the court found that the program aired objectionable remarks, underscoring the importance of accountability in media. Sukanya's case highlights the complexities of balancing free speech with the rights of individuals to protect their public image. The final verdict not only provides her with financial redress but also serves as a precedent for similar disputes involving media and public figures.#madras_high_court #sukanya #sun_tv #veerapppan #nerukku_ner
