Telangana HC stays probe in six FIRs against BRS MLA Padi Kaushik over ‘derogatory remarks’
The High Court issued notices to the State government and all the complainants, directing them to respond by the next hearing scheduled for August 19.
By Newsmeter Network
Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Monday stayed further investigation in six FIRs registered against BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy over alleged derogatory remarks made against Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.
The court expressed serious concern over the registration of multiple FIRs for the same offence and directed investigating officers to halt all related proceedings.
Court criticises police action
Justice Kunuru Lakshman, while hearing the matter, came down heavily on the police for blindly registering multiple FIRs based on similar complaints.
The judge observed that the police had failed to apply their mind and appeared to have acted on the directions of the complainants, even concerning invoking legal provisions.
Notices issued to State and complainants
The High Court issued notices to the State government and all the complainants, directing them to respond by the next hearing scheduled for August 19. The court also asked the complainants to be present in person during the next session.
FIRs filed across Telangana
The FIRs were registered at different police stations across the State, with complainants alleging that Kaushik Reddy’s remarks had the potential to disrupt communal harmony. The High Court’s interim stay applies to all the FIRs currently filed in this regard.
Next hearing on August 19
With the investigation stayed, the matter has now been adjourned to August 19. The court’s sharp remarks are likely to influence the way similar cases are handled in the future, especially those involving political speech.
