Did the Supreme Court Grant Bail to Andhra Journalist in Derogatory Remarks Case?
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Synopsis
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has granted bail to Kommineni Srinivasa Rao, a senior journalist, arrested over alleged derogatory remarks about women. This case raises critical questions about freedom of speech and journalistic rights in India, making it essential reading for those interested in media law and civil liberties.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court granted bail to Kommineni Srinivasa Rao.
- Focus on freedom of speech and journalistic rights.
- Rao did not make derogatory comments himself.
- Conditions imposed on his bail include no derogatory statements.
- V.V. Krishnam Raju also arrested for similar remarks.
New Delhi, June 13 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has granted bail to esteemed journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao, who was detained by the Andhra Pradesh Police on June 9 due to alleged derogatory comments about women from Amaravati during a discussion on the Sakshi television channel.
Srinivasa Rao, an anchor for the channel, was overseeing the program when one of the participants made inappropriate remarks.
A panel comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan ordered Rao's release, emphasizing that he was not the one who made the comments.
The apex court granted bail upon a plea contesting the arrest, remarking on the significance of safeguarding Rao’s journalistic rights and his fundamental right to freedom of speech.
Conditions set by the trial court were imposed for his release. Furthermore, the court instructed Rao to refrain from making any derogatory remarks during his show or permitting others to do so.
The 70-year-old journalist was taken into custody by state authorities from his home in Hyderabad on June 9 and subsequently brought to Guntur district, where a court assigned him to judicial custody for 14 days.
On June 11, police also arrested journalist and political analyst V.V. Krishnam Raju, who reportedly made derogatory comments about women from the Amaravati area.
Krishnam Raju, apprehended in Visakhapatnam on the night of June 11, was presented in front of the Mangalgiri court the following day, which placed him in judicial custody until June 26.
During a live debate on June 6, Krishnam Raju allegedly referred to Amaravati as a ‘capital of prostitutes’.
The Sakshi news channel is owned by the family of YSR Congress Party President and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
A case against both journalists and the management of Sakshi TV was registered on June 9.
The case was filed at the Thullur Police Station in Guntur, invoking various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Information Technology Act, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The FIR includes charges under sections 79, 196(1), 353(2), 299, 356(2), 61(1)BNS, 67 ITA-2008, and 3(1)(U) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Point of View
I believe that this ruling reinforces the importance of safeguarding journalistic expression in our democracy. The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail highlights the need for a balanced approach that respects both freedom of speech and the dignity of individuals. It is a reminder that the media plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse and must be protected.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the charges against Kommineni Srinivasa Rao?
Kommineni Srinivasa Rao was arrested over alleged derogatory remarks made during a debate about women from Amaravati.
Who else was arrested in this case?
Journalist V.V. Krishnam Raju was also arrested for making derogatory comments about women from Amaravati.
What did the Supreme Court say regarding freedom of speech?
The Supreme Court emphasized the need to protect Rao’s journalistic rights and his fundamental right to freedom of speech.
What conditions were imposed on Rao's bail?
Rao was ordered not to make derogatory statements on his show or allow others to make such statements.
Where was the case registered?
The case was registered at the Thullur Police Station in Guntur.
