Actress Rakul Preet Singh’s name had recently surfaced in the drug angle of the SSR case along with Sara Ali Khan and designer Simone Khambhatta.
As per NDTV and India TV reports, Rakul has now moved Delhi High Court, alleging ‘media trial’.
In her plea, Rakul claimed that despite Rhea retracting her statement where Rakul was allegedly named, media reports were connecting her to the case.
Represented by advocate Aman Hingorani, Rakul claimed in her petition that media reports were being run in contravention to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s guidelines.
“I got to know during a shoot that Rhea Chakraborty has named me and Sara Ali Khan for taking drugs, and the media started running a campaign against me,” she said through her lawyer.
“They’re showing my morphed pictures and pictures from film sets to paint a narrative, to hound me, and link me to some sort of a drug gang. Media is harassing me; they’re coming to my house. Please issue ad-interim direction to stop broadcasting of maligning and defamatory content against me. Media trials violate my right under Art 21 of the Constitution, court must interfere,” she argued.
“In recognition of her popularity, clean image and public service, the Telangana government appointed her in 2017 as the brand ambassador for the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” programme. She is also associated with various brands, including Samsung mobiles,” the plea said.
“The Petitioner (Rakul) categorically states that she does not take drugs at all, and has, to the best of her recollection, has only met Sara Ali Khan twice (once at IIFA Awards and once while working out in a gym) and has not met Simone Khambatta at all,” the petition said.
Justice Navin Chawla then issued notice to the Information and Broadcasting, Prasar Bharati, News Broadcasters Association (NBA) and the Press Council of India, seeking their stand on Rakul’s petition.
The next hearing of the plea is scheduled for October 15. The HC asked the authorities to treat her plea as a representation and take a decision on it.
As per India TV report, HC also said that – “It is hoped that media houses and TV channels would show restraint and abide by the Program Code and other guidelines while making any report in connection with Rakul Preet Singh.”
Prior to these developments, deputy director of NCB KPS Malhotra had shared a statement on Sara, Rakul and Simone being named – “Their names have surfaced but right now we can’t comment on the further course of action.”