SC Grants Bail to Journalist Over Amaravati Comment Case

New Delhi, Jun 13 (PTI) - On Friday, the Supreme Court granted bail to Kommineni Srinivasa Rao, a seasoned journalist arrested by the Andhra Pradesh Police for supposedly making derogatory comments about Amaravati, the greenfield capital city, during his live show.

The apex court's decision came in response to Rao's appeal challenging his arrest. A partial working day bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan ordered the release of Rao, who was taken into custody on June 9. The court noted that Rao himself did not make the contentious statement during the show; it was one of the panellists who did.

Expressing concern over Rao's arrest, the bench emphasized the importance of safeguarding Rao's journalistic rights along with the fundamental right to freedom of speech. "The petitioner himself did not make the statement on the live TV show and his journalistic rights need to be protected so that his freedom of speech is also protected. We direct that the petitioner be released in the FIR subject to conditions imposed by the trial court," stated the bench.

Nevertheless, the court advised Rao against making or permitting disparaging remarks on his show in the future.

Rao was apprehended by the Andhra Pradesh Police in Hyderabad on Monday for hosting a programme on June 6, during which one panellist made alleged disparaging remarks concerning Amaravati.

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