"Certain Attempts By Selective Media To Thwart & Derail Judicial Process": Observes Telangana HC While Granting Bail To Y.S. Avinash Reddy
The Telangana High Court today while granting anticipatory bail to the Member of Parliament, Y.S. Avinash Reddy made certain remarks on the conduct of the Media to thwart the judicial process and tarnish the image of the presiding judge adjudicating the politically sensitive matter. The High Court was considering the bail application of the MP apprehending his arrest in the case of the murder of his paternal uncle Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy who was the brother of Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, the Former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
The Single Judge Vacation Bench of Justice M. Laxman came heavily on certain media outlets and observed in its order that "Before I delve into facts of the 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 Court noted that "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. I have greatest regard to 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. Day by day, reputation of such important institution is eroding but for some individuals."
Suspended Judge Attacked by Saying that Money Bags Went To Judge:
Justice M. Laxman further noted that "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."
The Judge further stated that "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." He also added "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. 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."
Thought of Recusing:
Justice M. Laxman while voicing his concern reflected that "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 Judge further directed the Registry to place the order and video clippings of the news channels before the Chief Justice of the High Court for the State of Telangana to take an appropriate decision.
Cause Title: Y S Avinash Reddy v. The State of Telangana [CRLP 3798/2023]
