Telangana High Court Takes Up Petition Challenging Criminal Case Over Morphed CM Images
The Telangana High Court on Monday issued formal notices to the state government and a Congress party worker in response to a petition filed by a Mahabubnagar-based businessman. The petitioner, Kavali Venkatesh, is seeking to quash a criminal case registered against him for allegedly circulating morphed and defamatory images of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on various social media platforms.
Case Background and Police Complaint Details
The controversial case was originally registered against Venkatesh in January at the Maddur police station located in Narayanpet district. This legal action was initiated based on a formal complaint lodged by Goolla Narasimha, who serves as a Congress worker from the Narayanpet region. The complaint specifically accused Venkatesh of creating and distributing digitally altered images that portrayed the chief minister in a negative light.
Judicial Proceedings and Court Observations
During the hearing before a bench presided over by Justice J Sreenivas Rao, the court carefully considered the arguments presented by both sides. The judicial officer issued official notices to all respondents involved in the matter and subsequently adjourned the case to February 11 for further detailed hearing and consideration.
Justice Rao made significant observations during the proceedings, specifically referencing recent Supreme Court rulings in similar cases. The judge emphasized that India maintains its status as a secular nation where victims possess fundamental rights to oppose various harmful acts, including the circulation of manipulated images intended to damage reputations.
Defense Arguments and Allegations of False Implication
The counsel representing petitioner Venkatesh presented a vigorous defense, arguing that their client is completely innocent and maintains no connection whatsoever with the alleged offense. The legal representative maintained that Venkatesh is a law-abiding citizen who has been falsely implicated based on what they described as a completely fabricated complaint.
The defense counsel raised serious concerns about police conduct in the matter, alleging that law enforcement officials were not properly adhering to the provisions outlined in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. Furthermore, the counsel claimed that police authorities were violating established guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in the landmark Arnesh Kumar versus State of Bihar case.
Allegations of Police Harassment and Intimidation
In additional concerning allegations, the petitioner's legal representative claimed that police personnel have been making frequent visits to Venkatesh's residence and threatening him with imminent arrest. This alleged harassment continues despite what the defense describes as a complete absence of material evidence linking the businessman to the circulation of the controversial morphed images.
The case highlights growing concerns about digital manipulation of images for political purposes and the legal boundaries surrounding freedom of expression versus protection against defamation in the digital age. As the matter progresses through the judicial system, it raises important questions about balancing individual rights with protections for public figures against malicious online content.
