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Hyderabad, March 17, 2025 – In a significant legal development, a local court in Hyderabad has dropped organised crime charges against two women journalists who were arrested last week for allegedly defaming Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The journalists, Revathi Pogadadanda, managing director of Pulse Digital News Network, and Thanvi Yadav, an employee of the channel, were booked under Section 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Hyderabad Court Drops Organised Crime Charges Against Women Journalists
The case stirred controversy after the Hyderabad police accused them of publishing defamatory content and conspiracy against the chief minister. However, the court ruled that the essential elements required to invoke Section 111 of BNS were not met, dismissing the organised crime charges.
Background of the Case
The journalists were arrested on March 11, 2025, after a viral video on Pulse Digital News Network’s YouTube channel allegedly featured a man making abusive remarks against CM Revanth Reddy. The complaint was lodged by a Congress social media cell state secretary, who accused the news channel of spreading misinformation and provoking unrest.
Based on the complaint, the Hyderabad police charged them under multiple sections, including:
- Section 111, BNS (Organised Crime) – which carries penalties ranging from five years in prison to the death penalty in severe cases.
- Section 67, IT Act – for allegedly transmitting obscene or defamatory material electronically.
- Section 61(2), BNS – related to criminal conspiracy.
- Section 353(2), BNS – dealing with criminal force against public servants.
- Section 352, BNS – assault or criminal force without grave provocation.
Authorities also seized electronic devices, including laptops, hard disks, and media equipment, from the accused journalists as part of their investigation.
Court’s Ruling: No Grounds for Organised Crime Charges
During the hearing, the journalists’ lawyer Jakkula Laxman argued that invoking Section 111 was a disproportionate application of the law in this case, as there was no evidence of monetary transactions, organized syndicate activity, or systematic criminal operations—key factors necessary for proving organised crime.
The Hyderabad court concurred, stating that at this stage, the allegations did not satisfy the legal criteria for organised crime under the BNS. While other charges remain under investigation, the court’s decision marked a major relief for the journalists.
CM’s Controversial Statement in Telangana Assembly
The case gained further attention after CM Revanth Reddy made controversial remarks in the Telangana Assembly on March 15. He warned that individuals “posing as journalists” and posting abusive content against public representatives would be “stripped and paraded in public.”
The statement has drawn criticism from press freedom advocates, who argue that such remarks threaten the freedom of the press and create an atmosphere of fear among journalists.
Public & Expert Reactions
The journalists’ arrest and the subsequent court ruling have sparked debates on press freedom and government censorship in India.
Press Freedom Groups Condemn the Arrests
Several journalists’ unions and human rights organizations have condemned the arrests, calling it an attempt to intimidate independent media.
- Press Club of India issued a statement urging the government to stop misusing laws against journalists.
- Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) stated, “Journalists should not be criminalized for their work. The use of draconian laws to silence reporters is deeply troubling.”
Social Media Reactions
The incident has also sparked significant reactions on social media. Journalist Rana Ayyub tweeted:
“The arrest of Revathi Pogadadanda and Thanvi Yadav under organised crime laws is an extreme overreach. This is a clear attempt to silence journalists. Where is media freedom?”
Supporters of CM Revanth Reddy, however, argue that the media must be held accountable for spreading false or inflammatory content, claiming that the video circulated by Pulse Digital News Network was intended to defame the Telangana CM.
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What This Means for Journalists & Free Speech
The case highlights the growing challenges faced by independent media in India:
- Increasing Use of Strict Laws – The use of BNS provisions to prosecute journalists raises concerns about potential abuse of power.
- Digital Journalism Under Scrutiny – YouTube-based news channels are facing higher scrutiny, with governments monitoring online content more aggressively.
- Threats to Press Freedom – Legal experts warn that such arrests can have a chilling effect on investigative journalism, discouraging reporters from covering controversial topics.
The Hyderabad court’s decision to drop organised crime charges against the two journalists marks a small victory for press freedom, but the case is far from over. While other charges remain, this ruling underscores the importance of judicial oversight in preventing the misuse of stringent laws against journalists.
As the investigation continues, the case will likely serve as a litmus test for press freedom in India, particularly in the digital journalism era.
What are your thoughts on this case? Should laws be reformed to protect journalists better? Let us know in the comments below!
Sources
Last Updated on: Monday, March 17, 2025 2:24 pm by Admin | Published by: News Centre24 Team on March 17, 2025 2:08 pm | News Categories: HYDERABAD NEWS
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