Karnataka High Court (HC) has directed the Centre to take appropriate steps to prevent media outlets from broadcasting or publishing false and defamatory content against actor Harshavardini Ranya and her father, K Ramchandra Rao, a Deputy General of Police (DGP)-rank officer in the state, news agency PTI reported.

The order comes amid ongoing legal proceedings related to a gold smuggling case in which the actor has been arrested and placed in judicial custody.