A Bengaluru civil court has refused to grant an ex-parte temporary injunction in a defamation suit filed by Nischal D, nephew of Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade, against YouTuber Sameer MD. Nischal had sought to block a new video linking his family to recent disturbing allegations from Dharmasthala, where over 100 women were allegedly assaulted and buried.
Though the court issued notice to Sameer, it emphasized the importance of hearing both sides before issuing a restrictive order, especially in matters involving freedom of speech. It clarified that the previous interim order, already in force regarding an older video, remained valid, and that Nischal could pursue contempt proceedings if he believed it had been breached.
Nischal had submitted screenshots and a pen drive as evidence, claiming Sameer’s video contained morphed photos and indirect references to his family. The court, however, found the visuals inconclusive and insufficient to warrant a fresh gag order.
Meanwhile, Sameer MD faces criminal charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for allegedly spreading provocative content and private information in a 23-minute viral video on the Dharmasthala burial case, which has crossed 4 million views. The police claim the video uses AI-generated visuals and includes unverified claims beyond the original complaint.
Sameer earlier gained attention for exposing lapses in the 2012 Sowjanya rape-murder case, which led to a Rs 10 crore defamation suit filed by Dharmasthala temple representatives.
The matter is posted for hearing on August 6, 2025.