Justice K Muniandy granted the prosecution’s application, saying the sanctity of the case must be preserved at all costs.

“Until the trial is concluded, any comments on the case are sub judice and an affront to the administration of justice,” he said.

Badrul was charged with criminal defamation at the sessions court on April 29. He was accused of publishing a statement which he had reason to believe would damage the good name of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim.

The sessions court granted Badrul RM10,000 bail with one surety, but denied the prosecution’s application to impose a gag order on him.

This prompted the prosecution to file a revision in the High Court.

Badrul was also charged with one count of sedition.

Separately in another court, the prosecution also sought a gag order on Badrul for his other sedition case, but Justice Azhar Abdul Hamid denied the application, citing no reason to review the sessions court’s original decision.

The judge nevertheless reminded Badrul that his constitutional right to freedom of speech had limits which should not be overstepped.

Badrul was represented by lawyer Rafique Rashid Ali while deputy public prosecutor Kalmizah Salleh appeared for the prosecution.