Three journalists working for Andhra Jyothi Telugu daily who were arrested on Tuesday night, were granted bail by a special court on Thursday, that deals cases related to SC/ST Atrocities. However, the bailed journalists will be released from the jail today, as the bail papers did not reach the jail authorities, in time last night.

The court has given unconditional bail to Mr. K Srinivas, editor of Andhara Jyothi, on a payment of Rs.10,000. The two reporters Mr. Srinivas and Mr Vamsi will have to report to the police every week till the case is disposed of.

The trio were arrested under SC/ST act, following a case filed by the President of Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS), Manda Krishna Madiga, who alleged that the reporters humiliated him and pounded their footwear on him. He had listed the managing director of Andhra Jyothi, V Radhakrishna as the top accused, but arrests were not been made against him due to lack of evidence.

The arrest drew acerbic criticism from journalists, intellectuals and political parties. The Deccan Herald reported, K Srinivas Reddy, secretary general of Indian journalists union alleging the government of maintaining double standards. Despite been assured from chief minister and Home Minister that the government will not oppose the bail application, the public prosecution argued against giving bail, reasoning the accused may tamper with the evidence.

The Deccan Herald reported on another media related difference with the government, following the governments decision to allow Indian editions of foreign news and current affairs magazines. Leading editors, opinion-makers and leading political parties believe, the move will undermine media’s right to freedom and expression and will be unfavourable for the Indian media. X

Check Out
The Hindu