The Andhra Pradesh High Court has strongly criticized the state police for filing frivolous cases against individuals under the pretext of making comments against the Telugu Desam Party-led coalition government.
A division bench comprising Justice R. Raghunandan Rao and Justice K. Manmadha Rao made serious observations while hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by the family of Prem Kumar from Kurnool, who was allegedly detained by the police for posting negative comments about the government on social media.
The bench expressed deep disapproval of the police for exceeding their authority and also rebuked magistrates for failing to fulfill their responsibilities. The court directed the police to submit all relevant records pertaining to the case by April 8.
"The behavior of the police makes our blood pressure rise," the judges remarked, accusing the police of filing cases without valid grounds and fabricating statements to justify arrests.
“They act as though they are obligated to register a case and arrest someone,” the bench observed, questioning an arrest made over a social media reel where only â¹300 was cited as evidence.
The court raised a powerful point: “Is it wrong to criticize the government through satire or drama? If so, every actor and filmmaker in the country should be arrested.”
The bench took issue with the police traveling 8–9 hours from Kurnool to Guntur to arrest Prem Kumar at midnight, without notifying local authorities or securing jurisdictional approval.
“What authority do Kurnool police have in Guntur? Did you seek permission?” the court asked, criticizing irregularities such as bringing witnesses from Kurnool.
“We are well aware of how police exceed their limits. Just because we sit in courts, don’t assume we are blind to what happens on the ground,” the bench warned. “Do you expect us to simply watch and remain silent? Should we ask petitioners to seek justice elsewhere?”
The court urged the police to think before acting improperly, stating: “How many times must we point out your mistakes? If you claim to have followed orders, remember—your superiors won’t shield you when you’re held accountable.”
It further emphasized that the police were violating their own protocols and disregarding Supreme Court guidelines, especially concerning freedom of speech and peaceful protest, which are fundamental to democracy.
The judiciary wasn’t spared from criticism either. “It’s not enough to blame only the police—magistrates must also be held accountable,” the bench stated.
The court condemned magistrates for rubber-stamping police requests without verifying evidence, noting that in Prem Kumar’s case, the Kurnool magistrate accepted unverified claims portraying him as a habitual offender.
Advocate Veluri Maheshwara Reddy, representing petitioner Koritipati Abhinay, argued that the police's actions toward social media users were unlawful and in violation of constitutional rights.
The bench dismissed the defenses presented by Special Government Advocate Vishnuteja, making it clear that those responsible must face the consequences.
The hearing was adjourned to April 8, reflecting the court’s resolve to safeguard citizens’ rights and ensure accountability within both law enforcement and the judicial system.