The ruling followed a petition filed by Tulir Charitable Trust, which demanded the removal of videos and screenshots that had surfaced on television and digital platforms, citing the privacy and safety of the minor victims.
The case traces back to October 2025, when a pen drive containing a video allegedly showing R Veeramani assaulting a girl at a rented house in Teynampet was presented to the Anti‑Vice Squad. Police had filed a closure report, but a POCSO court rejected it and ordered the probe to resume in July 2026, leading to the arrest of Veeramani, 84, and associates Mahendra Simhan and Shanthi on August 29.
Justice V Lakshminarayanan argued that freedom of expression cannot override the rights of a minor victim to an unprejudiced investigation. He warned that broadcasting sensitive material could deter other victims from coming forward and could prejudice the inquiry.
The court issued a comprehensive directive: no videos, audio or any related content may be published in a manner that could influence the investigation or harm the victims. It also instructed the Special Investigation Team to release an official press statement each week, ensuring the public receives accurate updates. The court further ordered the removal of already circulating material and cautioned that false information could lead to legal action.
The decision arrives as the investigation has identified seven additional alleged survivors, most of whom are now adults. A former GEM Granites employee has also been arrested for allegedly failing to report the original video, underscoring the case’s expanded scope. The High Court has adjourned the matter to September 30 for the next hearing, marking a critical juncture in the probe.