Rakul Preet moves HC alleging 'media trial,' court issues notice
What's the story
Actor Rakul Preet Singh has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court alleging a "media trial" over reports that she was named by arrested actor Rhea Chakraborty among those in Bollywood who consumed drugs.
The court has since sought the central government's response in the matter.
Notably, investigation into a drugs case related to actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death is currently underway.
Plea
Reports in contravention with Ministry's guidelines: Rakul
In the petition, the 29-year-old actor has said that media reports have been connecting her to this case despite Rhea retracting from her original statement to the drug agency in which she had allegedly named her.
Such reports were being run in contravention with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry's guidelines, Rakul, represented by advocate Aman Hingorani, has claimed in the petition.
Action
Notices issued to Ministry, NBA, and Press Council
The High Court has since issued notices to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, News Broadcasters Association (NBA) and the Press Council of India, seeking their stance on the actor's petition.
It also hoped that, "Media houses would show restraint in their reports and would abide by the cable TV regulations, program code and various guidelines...while making any reports with regard to the petitioner."
Reports
The matter will next be heard on October 15
It was recently reported that actors Rakul Preet Singh and Sara Ali Khan were named by Rhea in her statement to the NCB. In fact, names of designer Simone Khambatta, publicist Rohini Iyer and filmmaker Mukesh Chhabra had also surfaced.
The court has now asked the authorities to treat this plea as a representation and take a decision before October 15.
Case
NCB held Rhea, her brother and others in drugs case
Rhea Chakraborty was last week arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in connection with the ongoing drugs case related to Sushant's death.
Her brother, two staff members of Sushant, and a number of drug peddlers have also been held. They will remain in judicial custody until September 22.
Sushant, aged 34, had died by alleged suicide on June 14.