The Supreme Court on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to veteran Telugu actor and former MP Manchu Mohan Babu in connection with an alleged assault on a TV journalist.
This decision follows an earlier order granting him interim protection from arrest.
Legal Proceedings and Supreme Court’s Observations
Babu had moved the Supreme Court after the Telangana High Court, on December 23, denied him anticipatory bail. During the hearing, a bench comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ahsanuddin Amanullah questioned Babu’s counsel about allegations of threatening the journalist. The counsel denied the accusations, stating that Babu was willing to compensate the journalist and cooperate with the investigation.
Incident and Allegations
The case stems from an altercation in which Babu allegedly snatched a wireless microphone from a journalist and threw it at him, resulting in serious injuries.
According to Babu’s defense, the incident occurred during a dispute involving his estranged son, who entered his home with a media crew of 20-30 people. In a heated moment, Babu threw the microphone, an action his counsel acknowledged in court. The actor has expressed willingness to issue a public apology and provide compensation if required.
Journalist’s Injuries and Medical Treatment
The journalist’s legal representatives informed the court that the attack caused severe injuries, requiring reconstructive surgery on his jaw. He was hospitalized for five days and had to be fed through a tube during recovery.
With the Supreme Court granting anticipatory bail, Babu is protected from immediate arrest but is required to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation. The case remains under judicial review as proceedings continue.
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