SC orders release of Andhra journalist held over Amaravati TV debate

Kommineni Srinivasa was taken into custody on June 9 following a live discussion on Sakshi TV where one of the panellists allegedly made derogatory remarks about women from the Amaravati region

by e4m Staff
Published: Jun 13, 2025 3:08 PM | 1 min read

The Supreme Court on Thursday granted bail to senior Telugu journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao, who was arrested earlier this week by Andhra Pradesh Police over controversial comments aired during a televised debate, according to media reports.

Rao, 70, was taken into custody on June 9 following a live discussion on Sakshi TV—owned by YSR Congress Party chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy—where one of the panellists allegedly made derogatory remarks about women from the Amaravati region.

A vacation bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan heard Rao’s plea challenging his arrest and found merit in his argument. The court clarified that Rao did not personally make the offending statement and highlighted the need to safeguard press freedom.

"The petitioner did not utter the remark himself. His journalistic rights must be preserved to ensure freedom of speech," the Court observed. It ordered his release, subject to conditions laid down by the trial court, and directed him to ensure no offensive statements are aired on his platform in the future—either by him or his guests.

A case was registered against both Raju and Rao on June 9 under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the IT Act, and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.