Mahaa, ABN news channels tried to tarnish my image, derail judicial process: Telangana High Court judge

The Telangana High Court on Wednesday made it clear that media channels cannot make personal remarks against judges by using derogatory language as it affects the image of judicial institutions..Justice M Laxman expressed his strong objection to some of the primetime debate programs telecast by Mahaa News and ABN News Telegu in connection with the Avinash Reddy bail case."Before I delve into facts of present petition, I felt to place on record certain attempts by selective media to thwart and derail judicial process by making attempts to tarnish my image and attempts to intimidate and threaten to derail independent thought process in arriving just decision in this matter. The individuals of selective media facilitated and abetted by airing views of selective personnel of their choice with conscious knowledge of their antecedents to intimidate, to threaten and to damage my reputation by personal attack." .The Court made it clear that it had the highest regard for the press and news media as the fourth estate of a democracy, which had the right to express opinions without touching on the merits of decisions.However, giving examples of panellists who took part in programs of the two channels, the judge said,"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 direct attack by saying “money bags went to Judge”. Other participant who seems to be holding respectable office used derogatory language (“Cheyyendra”) and gestures which are aimed to tarnish my comprehension and competency abilities by his mis-interpretation and misunderstanding of deliberations of Court proceedings.".Justice Laxman underscored that he was not bothered by attacks on individuals, but what concerned him were the effects the same would have on the image of judicial institutions as a whole.Pertinently, he added that in his view, such conduct amounted to contempt of court, and he had initially even thought of recusing from the matter."All that concerned me is inroads of such actions to damage institutional image. It is high time to protect image by concerted efforts. I am greatly hurt not by individual comment but facilitation and abetment done by selective media."Accordingly, the High Court's Registry was directed to place the order containing the above observations along with the concerned video clips of the programs on the two channels conducted on May 26 before the Chief Justice for an 'appropriate decision'..The judge had earlier today granted anticipatory bail to Kadapa Member of Parliament (MP) YS Avinash Reddy in connection with the YS Vivekananda Reddy murder case.Among other things, it was observed that there is no direct evidence available against the petitioner.Pertinently, the High Court stated there is no justification for a custodial interrogation of the petitioner by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)..Vivekananda Reddy, who was a former Kadapa MP, was stabbed to death at his residence in March 2019.In 2020, the Andhra Pradesh High Court had transferred the investigation into the murder to the CBI. The Supreme Court in November transferred the trial in the murder case to a Special CBI Court in Hyderabad. The Supreme Court had earlier this year taken exception to the High Court failing to decide the plea by Avinash Reddy, despite its orders to this effect. It had then directed a vacation bench of the Telangana High Court to decide the plea.Mentioning this development, Justice Laxman in his order said,"At one stage, I thought of recusal, but for direction of the Apex Court and remindful of oath of office particularly “discharge of duties without fear”, I changed my mind."The Supreme Court had in April set aside a Telangana High Court order that had placed restrictions upon the CBI while interrogating Avinash Reddy.The High Court had directed the CBI to present its questions in printed form, circulate them in advance and tape its interrogation of the MP.