Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar has reportedly filed a defamation suit in a Hyderabad court, seeking to take down what is being circulated on satellite TV channels, YouTube and social media platforms, which he says links him to a case involving his son Bandi Bhagirath.
Kumar’s lawyer also warned of the legal consequences of non-compliance, saying failure to comply with the directions would be considered “contempt of court”, and “legal action under contempt of court provisions will be taken against any individual who does not adhere to these orders,” according to an ANI report.
In the petition submitted to the city civil court, the minister reportedly requested to direct digital platforms and media houses to remove such content and prevent further circulation of the allegedly defamatory content.
The lawyer listed two interlocutory motions as part of the defamation suit filed by Kumar, India’s Minister of State for Home Affairs.
“The first application seeks to direct all digital media channels – especially satellite channels – as well as social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, not to broadcast or publish any defamatory content against Pandey Sanjay Kumar in connection with the case related to his son,” lawyer Karunasagar was quoted as saying by ANI.
He added, “The second preliminary request requests the immediate removal of all defamatory content that was broadcast on social media channels and other platforms during the past week.”
Further legal action is expected to be taken in this matter as directed by the court.
What is the case against Pandey’s son Sanjay
The case relates to allegations against Pandey Sai Bhagirath, Kumar’s son, by the mother of a 17-year-old girl, who alleged that Bhagirath had an affair with her daughter and sexually harassed her. Bhageerath was booked under Sections 74 and 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on charges of outraging modesty and sexual harassment, as well as Sections 11 and 12 of the POCSO Act on May 8.
Bhagirat, a student of Mahindra University, had approached the Telangana High Court seeking anticipatory bail following allegations of sexual harassment. In a setback, the Telangana High Court on Friday night did not grant any interim protection from arrest.
The legal battle centers around an FIR registered at Betabsheerabad police station, which includes charges under Sections 74 and 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act for outrage of modesty and sexual harassment, as well as Sections 11 and 12 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act.
Justice T Madhavi Devi, who resumed hearing the interim anticipatory bail petition of Kumar’s son Pandey Bhagirath on Friday evening, said she was not inclined to grant any interim order at this stage, news agency PTI reported.
The judge held hearings until approximately midnight and indicated that the orders would be issued on the court’s next day off. Bagherat’s lawyer requested temporary protection from arrest until the orders are issued.
