Telangana High Court Judge Calls For Action Against 2 Telugu News Channels For Airing Views Aimed At Tarnishing His Image

In the order granting anticipatory bail to the Kadapa MP Y.S. Avinash Reddy in the Vivekananda Reddy murder case, the Telangana High Court judge Justice M. Laxman said that certain attempts were made by "selective media to thwart and derail judicial process" and tarnish his image by airing views of certain persons "of their choice with conscious knowledge of their antecedents to intimidate, to threaten and to damage my reputation by personal attack."

Justice Laxman said attempts were made to intimidate and threaten to derail "independent thought process in arriving just decision in this matter". The judge said he has greatest regard for press and news media "which is fourth estate and which is forerunner in preserving democracy."

They have every right to express their opinion touching merits of any decision which is essential in rightful democracy, Justice Laxman said. However, the judge added that day by day, reputation of such important institution is eroding but for some individuals. 

"One of the participant, who is suspended and detained judge, made a direct attack by saying money bags went to Judge,” said Justice Laxman, while referring to the news debates related to the case.

Another participant holding "respectable office" had used derogatory language and gestures which are aimed to “tarnish my competency abilities” by mis-interpretation and misunderstanding of deliberations of court proceedings, Justice Laxman said further.

“I am least worried about such attempts to tarnish image since image one had is indestructible and if such image is prone to destruction, it is not image at all,” the judge said, adding he is concerned about inroads of such actions to damage institutional image.

Justice Laxman also said that he had thought of recusal in the matter but changed mind due to "direction of the Apex Court and the oath of office particularly “discharge of duties without fear”.

"I am greatly hurt not by individual comment but facilitation and abetment done by selective media. In my view, such actions clearly amount to invocation of proceedings under contempt of Courts Act, but I desist to do leaving open to head of institution to take or not to take action," the judge said.

Justice Laxman directed the Registry to place the order before Chief Justice for “appropriate action” along with the video clips of “Mahaa News and ABN News (Telugu) dated 26/5/2023” with regard to evening/early night debates over proceedings of the case.

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