By The Junior Civil Court in Railway Kodur of Annamayya district in the early hours of Friday (February 28, 2025) pronounced a 14-day judicial remand for actor and former APFDC chairman Posani Krishna Murali in connection with the criminal cases filed against him by the Obulavaripalle police under the BNS sections, amounting to derogatory remarks against Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and their family members.
Allegations and Legal Charges
The charges stem from allegedly derogatory remarks made by Posani Krishna Murali against Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, as well as their family members. The cases were registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), citing defamation, instigation of public unrest, and offensive speech.
According to sources, the actor-turned-politician’s remarks were deemed provocative and led to widespread outrage among political supporters. Legal experts suggest that the allegations may fall under sections that deal with defamation, hate speech, and intentional provocation, potentially leading to further legal proceedings.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Posani Krishna Murali was taken into custody late Thursday night by the Obulavaripalle police after complaints were filed against him by members of the ruling party and other political figures. Following his arrest, he was produced before the Junior Civil Court in Railway Kodur, which ruled in favor of a 14-day judicial remand.
Reports indicate that his legal team argued against the remand, citing freedom of speech and political expression. However, the prosecution presented evidence supporting the claims of derogatory remarks, leading the court to order judicial custody.
Political and Public Reactions
The arrest and remand of Posani Krishna Murali have triggered strong reactions from various quarters. Supporters of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena Party (JSP) have welcomed the move, stating that such inflammatory remarks should be legally addressed.
On the other hand, leaders from the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), to which Posani is affiliated, have condemned the arrest, calling it a politically motivated action aimed at silencing opposition voices. Some YSRCP members have announced protests and legal support for the actor, questioning the selective application of legal provisions.
Meanwhile, social media has been abuzz with debates on whether the remarks warranted legal action or if they should be treated as part of political discourse. Hashtags related to Posani Krishna Murali’s arrest and judicial remand have been trending, with supporters and critics engaging in heated discussions.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
Legal experts believe that the next few days will be crucial in determining the course of action in this case. While the judicial remand means that Posani Krishna Murali will remain in custody for at least two weeks, his legal team is expected to file a bail petition soon.
If the court grants bail, he may be released on conditions, including restrictions on making further public statements. However, if the charges are upheld and taken to trial, he could face penalties, including fines or even a jail term, depending on the severity of the sections applied.
Additionally, political observers note that this case may set a precedent for handling politically charged remarks and their legal consequences. The ruling could have implications on future cases involving speech-related controversies in Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape.
Conclusion
The 14-day judicial remand of Posani Krishna Murali marks a high-profile legal and political event in Andhra Pradesh. As legal proceedings continue, the case is expected to attract significant public attention, with ongoing debates about freedom of speech, political accountability, and legal repercussions for public statements. With reactions pouring in from different political factions, the incident is likely to remain a focal point in state politics for the coming weeks.
