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HomeJudiciaryCharged with sedition, 2 Telugu news channels move SC against Jagan govt

Charged with sedition, 2 Telugu news channels move SC against Jagan govt

TV5 and ABN Andhra Jyothi say FIRs against them have a chilling effect on media, which faces criminal prosecution for reporting news about the pandemic in an 'unbiased manner'.

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New Delhi: Two Telugu news channels have moved the Supreme Court, demanding contempt action against the Andhra Pradesh government for violating the court’s direction that ordered states to stop prosecution and arrest of citizens who voice their grievances on social media amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

TV5 and ABN Andhra Jyothi, facing sedition charges, have moved separate petitions in the top court. Both contend the FIRs have a chilling effect on the media, which faces criminal prosecution for reporting news about the pandemic in an “unbiased manner”.

On 30 April, the Supreme Court had in a suo motu case ordered the central government and state governments to “immediately cease any direct or indirect threats of prosecution and arrest citizens who air grievances or those that are attempting to help fellow citizens receive medical aid”.

“If this does keep happening even after the current order, this Court shall be constrained to use the powers available to it under it contempt jurisdiction,” the order said.

Again, on 7 May, the top court had reiterated that state authorities must “stop unnecessary arrests during the pandemic,” emphasising on the need to adopt transparent administration in the fight against Covid.


Also read: As SC contemplates live telecast of hearings, Gujarat HC has been showing the way for long


What is the FIR about

The FIR against the two channels was registered on 14 May at the behest of the CID of Amravati police station after they telecast an alleged offensive speech made by YSR Congress MP Raghurama Krishnam Raju.

Calling it an abuse of process of law, the two media outlets said by filing vague FIRs the government intends to silence its critiques and the media, which is discharging its duty sincerely.

The FIR specifically alleges that the two private channels and its heads conspired with Raju against the government to commit the “alleged offences.”

According to the FIR, the channels gave Raju a premeditated and organised slot to make the “offending speeches” against the government. Raju was arrested immediately after the case was registered.

“..it is to be noted that FIR is completely oblivious to the functioning of media channels and attempts to make something routine into a dreaded offence,” submitted the petitions filed by advocate Vipin Nair.

The FIR is an attempt to create a chilling effect so that the media is wary of hosting any critical content against the government, the petitioners said.


Also read: Invoking Patents Act for production of Covid vaccines, drugs can have consequences: Govt to SC


‘Govt wants to mask reality’

The FIR, petitioners said, reflects that the state has plain “disregard and disdain to the justice delivery system” and “they seem to be under the impression that they can easily overreach this Hon’ble Court by ignoring the implementation of this Hon’ble Court’s directions”.

The alleged contemnor, it added, has a “reputation in disobeying and violating the orders of the Constitutional Courts and expressing public displeasure to adverse orders.”

Even the investigation agencies of the state are subverting the rule of law for the reasons best known to them.

“While the State is witnessing a record number of Covid-19 cases, the focus of the Government is to mask the reality and to spread false propagandas,” the petitioners said.


Also read: Are oxygen concentrators essential commodity? Two Delhi courts think differently


 

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