Legal – Court Directs Police to Follow Procedure in Social Media Case
Legal – The High Court has instructed law enforcement authorities to adhere strictly to legal procedures while handling a case involving social media activity by a political party representative.
The High Court has issued clear directions to the Nallapadu police in Guntur district, emphasizing that all actions in the case concerning YSRCP Media General Secretary Pudi Srihari must comply fully with established legal provisions.
Court Calls for Due Process in Investigation
The matter came up before Justice Dr Yadavalli Lakshman Rao, who was hearing petitions filed by Srihari seeking to dismiss the cases registered against him. During the proceedings, the court stressed that police must issue appropriate notices under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and formally document the petitioner’s explanation before proceeding further.
The judge made it clear that procedural safeguards must be respected, reinforcing the principle that investigations should be conducted within the framework of the law. The hearing was subsequently postponed, with the next date scheduled for May 5.
Parallel Case Hearing Also Delayed
In a related development, proceedings in another case registered at Guntur Kothapeta police station were also deferred. Authorities confirmed that the matter would now be taken up on Tuesday, aligning with the broader timeline of legal review in the ongoing cases.
Defense Raises Concerns Over Arrest
Senior advocate Ponnavolu Sudhakar Reddy, representing Srihari, presented arguments highlighting inconsistencies in the handling of similar cases. He referred to an earlier case filed by Kuppam police, where the court had directed that action be taken under Section 35(3), which outlines specific procedural requirements.
Reddy pointed out that the charges against his client in the current matter carry a maximum punishment of less than seven years. Despite this, he argued, Srihari was taken into custody shortly after being released in the Kuppam case. The defense maintained that such actions raised questions about the uniform application of legal standards.
Prosecution Cites Lack of Cooperation
Responding to the defense, Public Prosecutor M Lakshmi Narayana stated that the petitioner had not been cooperating adequately with the investigation. According to the prosecution, this lack of cooperation necessitated certain actions by the police.
The prosecutor urged the court to consider the investigative challenges faced by authorities, asserting that procedural steps were being taken in line with the circumstances of the case.
Court Reiterates Legal Compliance
After hearing both sides, the court refrained from making any immediate determination on the merits of the petitions. Instead, it reiterated its earlier position that the Nallapadu police must strictly follow legal protocols while continuing their investigation.
The court’s directive underscores the importance of balancing investigative authority with individual rights, particularly in cases involving digital content and social media activity. By adjourning the hearing to May 5, the court has provided time for further review and compliance with its instructions.
The outcome of the case is expected to clarify procedural expectations in similar matters, especially those involving allegations linked to online communication.