Hyderabad: Senior journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao secured bail from the Supreme Court on Friday, bringing temporary relief in a case linked to controversial remarks made during a televised debate. The arrest had drawn criticism over press freedom and the treatment of senior media figures.
The bail was granted by a bench headed by Justice P.K. Mishra, who observed that Kommineni could not be held accountable for the comments made by another panelist during the discussion. The court instructed that he be released, with the specific conditions of bail to be determined by the trial court.
In a significant observation, the bench questioned the rationale behind arresting a 70-year-old journalist in such circumstances. The justices also issued a word of caution to Kommineni, urging him to avoid hosting or airing derogatory content regarding Amaravati or other sensitive issues in the future.
The Supreme Court made it clear that the bail was being granted subject to the conditions imposed by the lower court, and advised Kommineni to exercise greater caution in his professional conduct going forward.
Kommineni, a well-known television anchor and editorial head, had been arrested in connection with a debate on his channel where a guest speaker made objectionable comments. Though Kommineni himself did not voice those remarks, he was taken into custody on grounds of editorial responsibility.
The Supreme Court’s intervention has been widely welcomed by journalists and civil rights groups, many of whom argued that the arrest set a dangerous precedent. With the bail now granted, the case will continue at the trial court level under judicial scrutiny.