The Andhra Pradesh High Court issued a temporary relief to filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma on Monday, ordering state police not to take any coercive action against him for one week. This decision comes amid multiple cases filed against Varma for allegedly posting morphed and indecent photographs of prominent political figures, including Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, on social media.
Justice Harinath N scheduled the next hearing for December 9, providing Varma a brief reprieve. During the proceedings, Varma’s attorney, Rajagopallavan Tayi, argued that the images were promotional posters for a movie, claiming that Varma committed no legal offense and that the complainants lacked standing to file charges.
Further complicating matters, Varma was summoned by Prakasam district police for questioning related to the allegations, receiving two official notices. Despite his non-appearance, Varma has expressed a willingness to cooperate with the authorities digitally.
Additionally, Varma addressed the media in Hyderabad, criticizing certain outlets for sensationalizing the controversy and wrongly suggesting that he was evading arrest. He stood firm on the reach and uncontrollable nature of social media, implying that his actions were part of broader promotional activities rather than any intent to offend.
