A Hyderabad court has recently summoned Telangana Forest Minister Konda Surekha to appear on December 12 in connection with a criminal defamation complaint filed by actor Nagarjuna.
The case stems from allegedly defamatory statements made by Surekha about Nagarjuna and his family, particularly involving his son, actor Naga Chaitanya. The special judicial first-class magistrate for excise cases in Hyderabad issued the summons under Section 356 (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
In October this year, Surekha made remarks that sparked controversy, drawing strong criticism from political figures and members of the Telugu film industry. Following the backlash, she withdrew her comments.
However, Nagarjuna proceeded to file a criminal defamation complaint, citing damage to his family’s reputation. The court earlier recorded statements from Nagarjuna and other relevant witnesses as part of the proceedings.
The case highlights the sensitivity surrounding public figures’ remarks and their potential legal consequences when reputations are perceived to be at stake.