New Delhi, Jan 9 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Thursday granted interim protection from arrest to Veteran Telugu Actor Mohan Babu, restraining authorities from taking any coercive action against him in connection with allegations of assaulting a TV9 Journalist.
A Bench comprising Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra issued the directive while hearing Mohan Babu’s plea challenging the Telangana High Court’s rejection of his anticipatory bail application.
“No coercive measures till the next date. File reply. List after four weeks,” the Bench directed.
The case pertains to a complaint filed by a TV9 journalist, who alleged that Mohan Babu grabbed his microphone and hit him with it during a heated exchange at the actor’s residence.
The Journalist claimed the incident caused him severe injuries, including a fractured jaw, forcing him to take food through a pipe.
According to the journalist, he had gone to Babu’s house at the request of the actor’s son, Manchu Manoj.
The Telangana High Court had earlier observed that there were serious allegations against the actor. It noted his alleged attempts to influence the investigation by pressuring the complainant to withdraw the case.
Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Mohan Babu, argued that the 76-year-old actor’s custodial interrogation was unnecessary.
Babu denied threatening the journalist and expressed his willingness to apologise and compensate him, describing the incident as a momentary lapse.
“It happened in the spur of the moment. I am willing to tender a public apology and pay compensation. It was initially a case of hurt; now, they have added an attempt to murder!” Rohatgi said.
Opposing the plea, the Journalist’s counsel highlighted the severity of the injuries sustained and described the alleged attack as unjustifiable.
The Court, while granting interim relief, advised both parties to explore the possibility of a resolution. “That does not mean you hit them,” the Bench remarked, addressing Rohatgi’s argument that the journalist’s team had trespassed on the actor’s property with many individuals.
The matter will now be taken up after four weeks, with the Court asking the Journalist’s counsel to consider the possibility of compensation.
