The Telangana High Court is looking into the case of Kadapa MP YS Avinash Reddy’s anticipatory bail plea in the murder case of YS Vivekananda. The judge called for video clips of debates on two Telugu news channels to be presented to the Chief Justice of the High Court to take appropriate action. The judge expressed concern about media attempts to tarnish his image and intimidate and threaten to derail the independent thought process in arriving at a just decision in this matter.
The judge granted anticipatory bail to the petitioner subject to certain conditions, but noted that some comments made by participants in the debate amounted to contempt of court. He said he has the greatest regard for the press and news media as the forerunner in preserving democracy, but lamented that the reputation of such an important institution is eroding.
The judge observed that he is least worried about attempts to tarnish his image since one’s image is indestructible, but is greatly hurt by the facilitation and abetment done by selective media. He believes such actions clearly amount to invocation of proceedings under contempt of Courts Act, but left it to the head of institution to take or not to take action. At one stage, he thought of recusal, but for direction of the Apex Court and remindful of oath of office particularly discharge of duties without fear, he changed his mind.
