Overview
- Principal Senior Civil Judge Abdul Saleem issued a 22-page order on January 6 directing Rakesh Sanjeeva Shetty's detention in civil prison for three months for wilful disobedience.
- The detention will commence only after Dr. Ravikanthe Gowda deposits the state-fixed subsistence allowance, with the matter listed for January 31, 2026.
- The court held Shetty had knowledge of the September 8, 2023 interim injunction, citing his counsel’s appearance on September 11 and an interlocutory filing on September 12.
- Evidence included broadcasts on September 22–23, 2023 that called Gowda a 'dushta IPS adhikari' and photographs (Exhibit P-9) with disparaging captions.
- The underlying defamation suit seeking a permanent injunction, an unconditional apology, and Rs 20 lakh in damages remains pending, while separate proceedings saw a 2024 High Court broadcast halt and later Supreme Court remarks of political vendetta.