Bengaluru : The Karnataka High Court has issued a significant order directing Mahesh Shetty Timarodi and his followers to refrain from making any defamatory statements against Padma Shri Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, his family, and the institutions associated with Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala.

Hon’ble Justice R. Devdas ordered on Monday. The court has mandated that no defamatory statements or misinformation be made against Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, his family, and the institutions of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala in any public gatherings or across social media platforms.

Court has observed that even though there is clear injunction order from the Hon’ble City Civil Court, Mahesh Shetty Timarodi and his followers have been continuously violating the orders of Hon’ble court. Same has been observed by Hon’ble court and stated that even though there is a fundamental right, court will not give absolute right to any individual or Mahesh Shetty Timarodi and his associates to make derogatory and defamatory remarks against any individual as they have not taken any action in accordance with law. Further they have not taken any legal steps except making street protests against Shree Kshetra Dharmastala, Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade and his family members: in the light of the same the court has held that mahesh shetty or his followers cannot make any comments against Dharmasthala and any institution associated with Sri Kshetra Dharmastala or against the judiciary.

Hon’ble court has viewed that the fundamental right will be not an absolute right for making an any derogatory or defamatory statement against any individual. If the defendant feels the person is acting illegally, he can take any appropriate action in accordance with law. But not in the way of making derogatory remarks in social media or in any public events.

During the hearing, even though Mahesh Shetty Timarodi had submitted an affidavit tendering unconditional apology to the High Court, his behaviour did not improve. The court has now held that if Mahesh Shetty Timarodi and his associates continue to make defamatory statements against Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala, Dharmadhikari Dr. D Veerendra Heggade, his family Members, or its institutions on any social media platform, meetings, or events, directed police department to take immediate legal action in accordance with law. Senior advocates Uday Holla and S Rajashekhar Hilyar argued the matter.