Two Telugu TV News Channels Tried to Tarnish My Image: Telangana HC Justice Laxman

Hyderabad: Justice M Laxman of the Telangana High Court on Wednesday took strong exception to the discussions on some Telugu TV news channels in which personal remarks were made against judges. 

The High Court judge, who granted conditional anticipatory bail to Kadapa MP YS Avinash Reddy in connection with Viveka murder case on Wednesday, said an attempt was made by “selective media to thwart my image and attempts to intimidate and threaten to derail independent thought process in arriving just decision in this matter.”

The Judge made it clear that he has the highest regard to press and media, the fourth estate of democracy as it strives to preserve democracy. The press and media have the right to express opinions without touching on the merits of decisions, he added.  

While referring to the primetime debates on a  few TV news channels, Justice M Laxman said day by day, the reputation of such an important institution is eroding but for some individuals.

“One of the participant, who is suspended and detained judge made direct attack by saying money bags went to Judge,” he said adding other participant who seems to be holding respectable office used derogatory language (“Cheyyendra”) and gestures which are aimed to tarnish my comprehension and competency abilities by his mis-interpretation and misunderstanding of deliberations of Court proceedings.  

“I am least worried about such attempts to tarnish image since image one had is indestructible and if such image is prone to destruction, it is not image at all,” the Judge said.

Justice M Laxman further said he had the option of recusing in the matter but he followed the direction of the Apex Court and remembered the oath of office particularly “discharge of duties without fear”.

The Judge directed the High Court Registry to place the order in the petition along with the video clippings of debates of Mahaa News and ABN News (Telugu) of May 26 by downloading from available source with regard to evening/early night debates over present proceedings.  

Also Read: DRDO: Eminent Scientist U Raja Babu Appointed Director General, Missiles and Strategic Systems