Telangana HC quashes defamation case against KTR, Jagadish Reddy

Hyderabad: Telangana High Court has quashed a criminal case against senior Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders, KT Rama Rao (KTR) and G Jagadish Reddy, in alleged online defamation during the 2024 MLC elections.

Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya, presiding over a single-judge bench, ruled that the complainant failed to furnish credible evidence and did not respond to multiple notices issued by the investigating authorities.

Defamation allegations during the MLC Election Campaign

The criminal case was based on a complaint filed by Congress leader Teenmaar Mallanna, who contested the Warangal-Nalgonda-Khammam MLC seat in the elections held on April 27, 2024.

In his complaint, Mallanna alleged that both BRS MLAs KTR (Sircilla) and G Jagadish Reddy (Suryapet) were involved in creating and disseminating false, scandalous, and defamatory content against him on social media platforms.

He claimed that the content was intentionally circulated to damage his public image and influence voter perception in a manner that would affect the outcome of the election.

Case registered under IPC and IT Act Provisions

The FIR was filed under Sections 505(2) of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 66-C and 66-D of the Information Technology Act (2000–2008), alleging that the accused resorted to cyber offences and malicious propaganda. Mallanna contended that the defamatory campaign had a serious impact on his electoral prospects and could have deprived him of a fair contest.

Complainant unresponsive despite repeated police notices

During the hearing of Criminal Petition No. 2732 of 2025, the counsel for the petitioners submitted that Teenmaar Mallanna failed to participate in the investigation. The police had issued formal notices to the complainant on April 15 and again on June 18, 2025, asking him to appear and provide supporting evidence, but he failed to comply on both occasions.

The Court observed that no material evidence was placed on record to show that the accused had authored or shared the alleged content with the intent to defame or mislead the public.

Court: No Prima Facie case made out

Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya ruled that the allegations lacked substance and did not warrant the continuation of criminal proceedings. "There is no prima facie material before the Court to proceed further. The complainant’s inaction and lack of cooperation with the investigation strengthen the case for quashing," the Court noted.

Accordingly, the Court allowed the petition and quashed the FIR and all related proceedings.

Relief for BRS Leadership

The judgment marks a significant legal victory for the BRS party working president, KTR, and Suryapet MLA G Jagadish Reddy. Both leaders had maintained that the case was politically motivated and intended to malign their reputation during the election season.