The Supreme Court on Monday directed Sajjala Bhargava Reddy, the social media in-charge of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), to seek relief from the Andhra Pradesh High Court concerning multiple FIRs filed against him for allegedly defaming Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and his family through social media posts.
During the hearing, Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan emphasized the significance of High Courts as constitutional courts and declined to hear Reddy’s plea directly. However, they granted him a two-week period of protection from arrest to allow him time to approach the High Court.
“We do not want to bypass the High Courts, and they are Constitutional courts. We have no sympathy for anyone, and if wrong is done, they have to face the law,” Justice Kant stated, underscoring the judiciary’s stance on adhering to legal protocols and ensuring that alleged wrongdoers are held accountable.
Senior Advocate Sidharth Luthra, representing the Andhra Pradesh government, argued that the High Court had previously denied Reddy interim relief, labeling his actions as “unforgivable” and justifying the state’s legal actions against him. Luthra also highlighted that Reddy had not disclosed to the Supreme Court that he had already received interim protection in one of the cases, complicating the legal proceedings.
On the other hand, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Reddy, presented a case of alleged harassment, noting that four additional FIRs had been filed against his client as recently as the previous Friday. Sibal requested the court to ensure Reddy’s protection from arrest due to the multiplicity of legal actions targeting him.
The Supreme Court, while disposing of the plea, reiterated its directive for Reddy to seek judicial review and relief under Article 226 of the Constitution from the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The court also clarified that it had not formed any opinion on the merits of the case, thereby maintaining its impartial stance and emphasizing the role of the High Court in handling such matters.
