'Prejudices Fair Trial': Karnataka High Court Restrains Netflix From Streaming First Episode Of Series 'Crime Stories: India Detectives'

The Karnataka High Court on Friday (October 1) by way of interim order directed Netflix Entertainment Services India LLP  to block streaming, broadcasting, telecasting or otherwise making available the content of the Episode No.1 of the Series 1 of the documentary "Crime Stories. India Detective" titled "A Murdered Mother" on Netflix.

A single-judge bench of Justice B M Shyam Prasad issued the direction while hearing a petition filed by one Sridhar Rao S, an accused undergoing trial for offences under Sections 302 and 307, 212, 201 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

Advocate Ayantika Mondal appearing for the petitioner submitted that "The respondent No.2 has produced a series titled "Crime Stories. India Detective" which is available as content on the online platform Netflix offered by respondent No.1. The first episode in this series is titled "A Murdered Mother" and is content containing the visuals of the investigation by the Police in the FIR against the petitioner and another."

Further, it was said, "This content prejudices the petitioner's defence as it contains interviews recorded during the investigation and video recording of a purported confession. The petitioner's right to a free and fair trial is severely prejudiced. This is apart from violating the petitioner's privacy, and the content, without any justification, exposes the petitioner to ridicule and harassment by the public at large."

Earlier, the petitioner filed a suit against the respondents along with an application for a temporary injunction. However, the civil court has only issued suit summons and emergent notices on I.A. without considering that the delay in granting interim order would defeat the very purpose of the application as also the suit, and prejudice the petitioner's interest without any remedy.

The court noted, "The Episode No.1 of the series "Crime Stories. India Detective" and titled "A Murdered Mother" is on the Over the Top (OTT) platform and is available for viewing to all the registered users. The content being available for viewing the petitioner would be put to harassment and prejudice." Following which it passed the restraining order and issued notice to the respondents returnable by 21.10.2021.

Case Title: Sridhar Rao S And Netflix Entertainment Services India LLP

Case No: WP 18038/2021