In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to renowned Telugu actor Mohan Babu, concerning charges of assaulting a journalist. The bench, comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ahsanuddin Amanullah, ordered that Babu should not be taken into custody and must cooperate with the investigation.
The apex court’s decision comes after challenging the Telangana High Court’s dismissal of Babu’s anticipatory bail plea on December 23, 2024. The Supreme Court had previously extended interim protection to Babu on January 9, 2025, amidst escalating legal pressures following an additional charge of attempted murder filed against him on December 12, 2024.
The case stems from an incident on December 10, 2024, when a 35-year-old journalist alleged that Babu exhibited aggressive behavior towards him and other reporters during their visit to cover a family dispute at the actor’s Jalpally residence. The dispute, which became public on December 9 following a police complaint by Babu against his younger son Manoj, involves accusations of intimidation and forceful possession of Babu’s property.
Manoj has countered the allegations, asserting that his actions were driven by concerns for self-respect and the safety of his family, rather than property claims. The ongoing family conflict has added a layer of complexity to the legal proceedings against Mohan Babu.
The Supreme Court, in its ruling, stated, “Custodial interrogation of the petitioner is not required. Hence, the order dated January 9, 2025, granting interim protection to the petitioner should be made absolute.” It further specified that Babu is to be released on bail immediately if arrested, under usual terms and conditions determined by the court concerned.
