NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday provided Telugu actor Mohan Babu interim protection against any coercive action in a case where he is accused of assaulting a journalist. The Bench, comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Prashant Kumar Mishra, directed, โNo coercive measures till next date. File reply. List after four weeks.โ
The case stems from a complaint filed by a journalist working with TV9, who alleged that Babu assaulted him during a visit to the actorโs residence, which was reportedly arranged by Babuโs son, Manchu Manoj. The journalist claims that during the interaction, the actor heatedly grabbed the microphone and struck him with it, resulting in a fractured jaw.
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Earlier, the Telangana High Court had dismissed Babuโs plea for anticipatory bail, citing serious allegations and suggesting that he might be interfering with the investigation. Following this, Babu approached the apex court seeking relief.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Babu, argued that custodial interrogation was unnecessary, emphasizing the actorโs age and denying allegations of pressuring the complainant to withdraw the case. Rohatgi further stated, โIt was a spur-of-the-moment incident. I am willing to apologise publicly and compensate the journalist.โ
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The opposing counsel highlighted the severity of injuries suffered by the journalist, noting, โI had a fractured jaw and had to consume food through a pipe.โ
The Court, while granting interim protection, suggested exploring a resolution through compensation. Rohatgi assured the Court of discussing the matter with the journalistโs counsel to address the issue amicably.
