The High Court of Andhra Pradesh issued bail to TDP Spokesperson Kommareddy Pattabhiram on October 23. He was arrested two days ago.
He was booked on the charges of vilification, making statements conducing public mischief, insulting with an intent to breach the peace, and criminal conspiracy.
Upon the payment of the bail amount and filing the relevant paper work, the Rajahmundry Central Jail allowed Mr. Pattabhiram to leave in the evening.
What did the court say?
The court had primarily found fault with the self-contradictory statements made by the police with regards to his arrest.
While the CrPC 41A notice requires the accused to comply and appear before the police, the police must also not arrest the said accused if he/she is still in compliance.
If they do make an arrest, they are to record the reasons for doing so.
The Court pointed out that the police also told the court that they went to Mr. Pattabhi’s house to make an arrest, even as they were speaking of the notices under CrPC 41A.
The court did not absolve Mr. Pattabhi of any charges either. But the Court said that there is a procedure to be followed in such investigation, and that was not followed by the police.
Isn’t the law the same for everyone?
The Court wanted to know if the law is same for everyone, and wondered if the police would be this enthused in making an arrest if the comments were made against the Judges of the High Court.