Supreme Court Bail For Journalist Sparks Political Storm, Jagan Targets CM Naidu
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Supreme Court grants bail to Sakshi journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao, calling his arrest a rights violation; Jagan Mohan Reddy slams CM Naidu for media suppression.
Amaravati: Today, on June 13, in a strong rebuke to the Andhra Pradesh government, the Supreme Court of India on Friday ordered the immediate release of senior journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao, terming his arrest a serious violation of fundamental rights and freedom of speech.
The veteran journalist was earlier arrested over alleged derogatory remarks made during a televised debate on the news channel ‘Sakshi.’
Following the top court’s directive, former Andhra Pradesh chief minister and YSR Congress Party President Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy strongly criticised the ruling TDP government led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Reacting to the Supreme Court’s order, Jagan Mohan Reddy posted on X (formerly Twitter),
“The court rightly observed that the arrest was a serious violation of fundamental rights and freedom of expression.”
He further attacked Naidu, saying,
“The Supreme Court’s directive to immediately release senior journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao is a resounding slap on the face of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.”
Jagan alleged that Naidu was acting in a dictatorial and anti-democratic manner. he said,
“At a time when serious public scrutiny is building around massive corruption in the name of Amaravati, failed governance, and deteriorating law and order, Chandrababu created a false controversy with his so-called yellow gang to divert public attention. By falsely attributing comments to Kommineni garu and launching a targeted campaign of misinformation and violence, including orchestrated attacks on Sakshi media offices, Chandrababu trampled on media freedom and democracy,”
Jagan continued his attack, stating,
“Even after the Supreme Court’s intervention, he continued to blame YSRCP and Sakshi, exposing his political agenda. The court’s order shattered this conspiracy, reminding the nation once again that truth will prevail.”
The Supreme Court, while granting bail, emphasised the importance of protecting the journalistic rights and fundamental freedom of speech of Srinivasa Rao.
The court questioned the Andhra Pradesh government’s actions leading to the journalist’s arrest and said that his detention raised serious concerns regarding constitutional rights.
Srinivasa Rao, 70, a senior anchor at Sakshi TV, was arrested by the Andhra Pradesh police from his Hyderabad residence on June 9. He was taken to Guntur district, where a local court remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody.
The case revolved around a panel discussion on Sakshi TV, during which one of the guests allegedly made derogatory comments about women from the Amaravati region. Although Rao was only moderating the show, he was accused in connection with the remarks.
Additionally, another journalist and political analyst, VV Krishnam Raju, who had allegedly made the derogatory comments during the same TV programme, was also arrested by the police on June 11.
A Guntur court later sent him to judicial custody till June 26.
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