By: Arvind Jadhav
Hyderabad: The Supreme Court has granted bail to senior journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao, who was arrested for derogatory comments made by a panellist on his show. Rao, a 70 Year-old anchor with Sakshi TV, was taken into custody after VVR Krishnam Raju, a journalist and political analyst, made controversial remarks about women from Amaravati during a debate.
The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices PK Mishra and Manmohan, questioned the arrest, asking how Rao could be held responsible when he didn’t make the statement himself. The court emphasized the need to protect Rao’s journalistic rights and freedom of speech. While granting bail, the bench directed Rao not to make any defamatory statements on his show or allow others to do so.
Rao’s arrest sparked controversy, with the court noting that Rao’s role as a moderator didn’t make him liable for the panellist’s comments. The Andhra Pradesh government argued that Rao was “goading and abetting” Raju, but the court disagreed. The case highlights the complexities of free speech and journalistic responsibility.
