New Delhi | June 13, 2025

In a landmark order defending journalistic freedom, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday ordered the immediate release of veteran Telugu journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao, who had been arrested for comments made by a guest panelist during a live television debate.

The Court strongly questioned the rationale of the Andhra Pradesh Police, asking why an anchor should be held responsible for statements made by others on a public broadcast. The arrest, which had triggered widespread concern across media and civil rights circles, was deemed “unjustified and excessive” by the apex court.

Arrest Over Guest’s Remarks Sparks Legal Debate

Rao, a senior journalist and television anchor with Sakshi TV, was taken into custody on June 9 from his Hyderabad residence and transferred to Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, in connection with a controversial debate aired on June 6. During the program, a guest panelist allegedly made derogatory references to Amaravati, the proposed capital city of Andhra Pradesh.

Though Rao neither made nor endorsed the remarks, he was arrested under multiple sections, including provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and defamation and public mischief under the Indian Penal Code.

Supreme Court: “Freedom of Speech Cannot Be Criminalized This Way”

The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan, was unequivocal in its stance. “A television anchor cannot be arrested for statements made by someone else on the show. If this becomes the norm, every live discussion could end in jail time,” the bench observed.

The Court questioned the police’s intent, noting that laughing or reacting during a live debate does not constitute criminal conspiracy or endorsement. The bench emphasized that any move to silence media voices without concrete individual culpability is a serious threat to free speech and democratic discourse.

Conditions Applied, But Liberty Protected

While granting Rao immediate bail, the Court made it clear that anchors should exercise discretion in moderating sensitive debates but cannot be held liable for unscripted guest remarks unless there is clear collusion or incitement.

The bench permitted the trial court to impose reasonable conditions, such as avoiding future broadcasts on the same issue, but held that continued detention was unwarranted.

Background & Political Context

This case has stirred controversy in Andhra Pradesh’s politically charged environment. Rao is known for his bold commentary and political analysis. His arrest was widely viewed by media watchdogs as an attempt to intimidate journalists during a tense electoral cycle in the state.

Several opposition leaders and journalists’ unions condemned the arrest as a misuse of police power and a blow to editorial independence. At the same time, legal experts stressed the importance of defining the limits of responsibility in televised debates.