Justice M Laxman of the Telangana High Court, who granted anticipatory bail to YSR Congress Party Lok Sabha member from Kadapa Y S Avinash Reddy, expressed his displeasure over certain Telugu TV news channels’ efforts to tarnish his image.
In the order issued for the anticipatory bail plea filed by the Kadapa MP, Justice Laxman emphasized the need to address the attempts made by specific media outlets to hinder the judicial process and undermine his impartial decision-making.
Referring to derogatory remarks made against him during debates on two Telugu TV news channels on May 26, Justice Laxman noted that these individuals from selective media houses actively facilitated the airing of opinions from chosen individuals, despite being aware of their backgrounds, with the intent to intimidate, threaten, and damage his reputation through personal attacks.
In his order, Justice Laxman highlighted that one of the participants, a suspended and detained judge, directly attacked him by stating that “money bags went to the judge.” The high court judge further noted that another participant, who holds a respectable office, utilized derogatory language and gestures with the intention of undermining his understanding and competence in comprehending court proceedings. Expressing his lack of concern regarding attempts to tarnish his personal image, as he considers it “indestructible,” Justice Laxman emphasized his focus on preventing such actions from damaging the institutional image. He emphasized the need for concerted efforts to protect the image, stating that he was deeply hurt not by individual comments but by the facilitation and encouragement provided by selective media.
“In my view, such actions clearly amount to invocation of proceedings under contempt of Courts Act, but I desist to do so, leaving it open to the head of the institution to take or not to take action,” he stated.
Justice Laxman stated that although he contemplated recusal from hearing the bail matter concerning the MP, he ultimately decided against it, mindful of his oath to discharge duties without fear.
In light of this, he directed the High Court Registry to present this order and video recordings of the debates from the two news channels to the Chief Justice of Telangana High Court for an appropriate decision.
The judge emphasized his utmost respect for the press and news media as the fourth estate, playing a crucial role in upholding democracy.
He acknowledged their right to express opinions on the merits of any decision, which is essential in a functioning democracy.
However, he expressed concern that the reputation of this important institution is being eroded by certain individuals. In a separate development, the Telangana High Court granted Avinash Reddy anticipatory bail in connection with the murder case involving his uncle, former Andhra Pradesh minister YS Vivekananda Reddy.
Reddy was instructed not to leave the country without prior permission from the CBI and to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
