Hyderabad: Nampally Court has ordered a criminal case against Minister Konda Surekha in connection with a defamation complaint filed by BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao.
KTR’s counsel, Siddharth Pogula, submitted evidence that the court found sufficient. The court agreed there was a prima facie case under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. It also invoked BNSS Sections 222 and 223 to proceed further.
Although Surekha’s legal team contested jurisdiction, the court overruled them. It cited a prior High Court decision (Criminal Petition No. 5670/2024) affirming its authority. The court held that the complaint had enough merit to proceed.
A pen drive was also submitted as part of the evidence. While the defence argued it lacked certification, the court said such procedural concerns could be addressed at trial.
Importantly, the court found no verified media reports of the alleged remarks. Therefore, it concluded the statements were made directly by Konda Surekha.
Additionally, the court relied on testimonies from five witnesses and supporting documents. It ruled the remarks pointed to a clear defamation offence.
The court dismissed defence claims that the complaint was speculative or politically motivated. It ruled that legal grounds were strong enough for criminal action.
This latest order adds weight to the Konda Surekha defamation dispute, which has drawn political attention. The court instructed police to file the case without delay. Notice must be served to the Minister by August 21, 2025.
