Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Thursday came down heavily on the police for their alleged failure to curb abusive and objectionable content on social media platforms. Observing that such inaction has emboldened individuals to post derogatory and provocative material, the court remarked that “police are sleeping while offenders are becoming aggressive.”
The court expressed concern over a controversial flex banner in Vijayawada that read, “We are waiting for the destruction you will carry out in 2029,” questioning the audacity behind such messages. It asked whether this reflected inefficiency on the part of law enforcement and warned that such unchecked behavior could threaten public order.
During the hearing, the court noted that insulting the Chief Minister amounts to insulting the people of the state, and emphasized that while ideological differences are acceptable, personal attacks and offensive posts targeting individuals and their families cannot be justified.
The bench also recalled similar incidents in 2020 involving derogatory posts against sitting High Court judges. Despite the case being handed over to the CBI, the court observed that there had been little progress, which may have encouraged repeated violations.
The observations came during the hearing of a petition filed by former YSRCP social media in-charge Sajjala Bhargava Reddy, who challenged a Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against him. The court questioned the police on whether proper procedure was followed, including issuing notices under Section 41A of the CrPC and establishing evidence of non-cooperation in the investigation.
The public prosecutor argued that Reddy had failed to appear for questioning in a case registered in Annamayya district, prompting authorities to seek the LOC. However, the court noted that the LOC, issued on November 8, 2024, had a validity of one year and had already expired in November 2025.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Battu Devanand reserved the judgment.
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