Supreme Court grants bail to Andhra journalist

New Delhi

The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to veteran journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao, who was arrested by Andhra Pradesh Police on June 9. He was taken into custody over alleged derogatory remarks made during a TV debate on Sakshi channel, where he was the anchor. The remarks were actually made by a guest on the show.

A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan ordered his release, observing that Rao did not personally make the offensive statements. The court stressed that his fundamental rights, especially freedom of speech, should be protected. However, Rao has been directed not to make or allow any derogatory comments during his shows. He was granted bail with conditions set by the trial court. The arrest occurred at his Hyderabad home, and he was later sent to judicial custody in Guntur.

Meanwhile, on June 11, journalist and analyst V.V. Krishnam Raju—who allegedly called Amaravati a capital of prostitutes during a live debate—was also arrested. He remains in judicial custody.

The incident led to an FIR against both journalists and the Sakshi channel’s management, under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, IT Act, and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The case was filed at Thullur Police Station in Guntur.