A magistrate court in Hyderabad granted relief to senior NTV journalists Donthu Ramesh and Sudheer by rejecting the police remand request and ordering their release on bail. The court observed that the police action raised serious concerns and could amount to a violation of press freedom.
Donthu Ramesh, who works as an Input Editor at NTV, and reporter Sudheer were arrested following a complaint related to a controversial news report aired recently. Based on the complaint filed by an IAS officers’ association, police registered cases against several journalists and YouTube channel representatives.
Police detained Donthu Ramesh at the Hyderabad airport while he was preparing to travel to Bangkok. Meanwhile, officers arrested Sudheer at his residence. The arrests triggered strong reactions across the state, with journalists, political leaders, and civil rights groups condemning the action.
When police produced the journalists before the magistrate and sought remand, the court carefully examined the case records. The magistrate noted that the police failed to provide sufficient preliminary evidence to justify remand. The court also pointed out procedural lapses, including the failure to issue proper notices at the time of arrest.
Importantly, the court remarked that such actions could disturb the balance between law enforcement and press freedom. It stated that arrests made without following due process could have a chilling effect on journalism. On these grounds, the court rejected the remand plea and directed authorities to release the journalists on bail.
Following the court’s order, leaders from the BRS and YSR Congress Party strongly criticised the arrests. Several journalist associations also expressed solidarity with the detained reporters and welcomed the court’s decision. They called for safeguards to protect media professionals from undue legal pressure.
On the other hand, police officials maintained that their actions followed legal procedures. They stated that the investigation would continue as per law.
Overall, the case has once again brought the issue of press freedom and police accountability into sharp focus, sparking debate across political and media circles.
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