Published Sep 25, 2026 | 8:20 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 25, 2026 | 8:20 PM
The Madras High Court also considered a petition filed by DMK general secretary Duraimurugan.
The Madras High Court on Friday, September 25, restricted media and social media platforms from publishing or circulating videos related to the POCSO case involving Gem Granites chairman R. Veeramani.
The court was hearing a petition filed by child-rights organisation Tulir Charitable Trust.
The petition sought directions to identify, remove and disable access to videos and other material containing Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material (CSEAM) allegedly linked to the case. The organisation also sought measures to prevent further publication, sharing or circulation of such material and to protect the identity and privacy of the alleged victims.
Justice V. Lakshminarayanan, while hearing the matter, observed that sections of the media had not understood the seriousness of the issue and said such reporting could discourage victims from coming forward to lodge complaints.
The court also observed that freedom of the press does not mean the right to conduct a parallel media trial and directed that discussions concerning the case should not be conducted in a manner that could prejudice the investigation or affect the victims.
The court directed the police to issue a press release once a week on the progress of the investigation so that the public remains informed about developments in the case.
The High Court also directed the Centre, the Tamil Nadu government, the police and media organisations that had published the videos to respond to the petition filed by Tulir Charitable Trust.
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The Madras High Court also considered a petition filed by DMK general secretary Duraimurugan, seeking permission to initiate proceedings against ministers Nirmal Kumar and Aadhav Arjuna, as well as the TVK IT wing, alleging that statements made by them in connection with the Veeramani case were damaging to the party’s reputation.
The DMK also sought permission to proceed against Meta, YouTube and X within the High Court’s jurisdiction, seeking restraint on allegedly defamatory content.
The ministers opposed the plea, arguing that the proceedings had been initiated without prior notice being issued to them.
The court directed the ministers and the social media platforms to respond to the petition and adjourned the matter to September 28.
The High Court also urged lawyers representing both sides to advise ministers and members of the DMK not to politicise the Gem Veeramani case.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
