The Karnataka High Court declined to dismiss a defamation complaint lodged by Kannada actor Sudeep S against N M Suresh, an office bearer of the Kannada Film Producers Association and Secretary of the Film Chamber of Commerce. Sudeep accused Suresh of making false allegations against him, prompting the court's decision.

Justice S Vishwajith Shetty, presiding as a single judge on the bench, rejected the petition filed by Suresh, aimed at terminating the ongoing legal proceedings before the trial court under sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The complainant provided detailed allegations against both defendants concerning defamatory statements they allegedly made, which purportedly tarnished the complainant's image and reputation.

During a press conference, it was alleged that the accused made defamatory statements against the complainant. Additionally, the complainant asserted that following the press conference, friends and well-wishers contacted him to inquire about the accuracy of the statements made by the accused. The complainant contended that such inquiries had a negative impact on his social standing and reputation.

Furthermore, it is alleged that accused Nos.1 and 2 utilized social media platforms to disseminate messages and organized protests against the complainant. The petitioner argued that the dispute solely revolves around the complainant and respondent No.1, suggesting that he has been falsely implicated due to his roles as an office bearer of the Kannada Film Producers Association and Secretary of the Film Chamber of Commerce.

He contended that there is insufficient evidence to justify proceedings against him. Furthermore, he argued that the Trial Court failed to properly assess this aspect of the case and made an error in issuing a summons to him.

Following this the court said, “The Trial Court having found that complainant has made out a prima facie case to proceed against the accused persons for the alleged offences has issued summons to both the accused and after receipt of summons, the petitioner has appeared before the Trial Court and was enlarged on bail.”

Consequently, the court determined that no illegality or irregularity existed in the Trial Judge's decision to issue summons and thus dismissed the plea. Appearance: Advocate Prashanthi A L representing the Petitioner.

Case Title: N M Suresh AND Sudeep S

Case No: Writ Petition 3641 OF 2024