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Supreme Court Grants Bail to Telugu Journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao
New Delhi, June 13, 2025 – The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to senior Telugu journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao. The Andhra Pradesh Police arrested him on June 9 over offensive remarks made by a panellist on his Sakshi TV show. The court ordered his immediate release.
A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan heard Rao’s plea challenging his arrest. The 70-year-old journalist, known for hosting “KSR Live Show,” did not make the derogatory remarks himself. The court emphasized protecting his journalistic rights and freedom of speech. “How can a case be against him when someone else made the statement?” the bench asked.
The controversy stems from a June 6 debate on Sakshi TV. Panellist V.V.R. Krishnam Raju allegedly called Amaravati a “capital of prostitutes.” Rao was accused of not condemning the remarks and reportedly encouraging them. The police charged Rao, Raju, and Sakshi TV management under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and other laws.
Protests erupted across Andhra Pradesh after the broadcast. Women’s groups and farmers demanded action against Rao and Sakshi TV. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu condemned the remarks, calling them “unforgivable.”
Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave, representing Rao, argued the journalist was not responsible for the panellist’s comments. The court agreed, noting Rao’s role as a moderator deserved protection. It directed the trial court to set release conditions. The bench also cautioned Rao against allowing derogatory remarks on his show.The arrest sparked debate over press freedom. YSR Congress Party leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy called it a “political vendetta” by the TDP-led government. He warned that punishing anchors for guests’ statements threatens democratic discourse.
Rao’s release marks a significant ruling on journalistic freedom. The case continues to fuel discussions on media ethics and political influence in Andhra Pradesh.
