Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Harish Rao Appears in Court Over Defamation Case
T. Harish Rao, a leader of the BRS party, went to court in Hyderabad.
He filed a case against two Congress leaders, Mahesh Kumar Goud and Addanki Dayakar.
Harish Rao says they wrongly claimed that he practiced black magic at a temple.
He says visiting temples and praying were made to look like something harmful.
The court accepted his complaint and heard or began recording his statement.
Reports give different dates for the next step: September 30 or the following Wednesday.
Harish Rao says he provided evidence and wants the people responsible to face legal action.
He also complained about political arguments and an unfilled Deputy Speaker position in the state Assembly.
BRS leader T. Harish Rao appeared before the Nampally People’s Representatives Court to record his statement in a defamation case.
The complaint names TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud and Congress MLC Addanki Dayakar as respondents.
Harish Rao alleges the leaders falsely claimed he performed black magic or occult rituals during a temple visit.
He says the complaint was filed with supporting evidence under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Reports differ on the next proceeding: one says September 30, while another says the following Wednesday; Harish Rao also raised concerns about legislative privileges and the vacant Deputy Speaker post.
- Who
- BRS leader T. Harish Rao filed the complaint against TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud and Congress MLC Addanki Dayakar.
- What
- Harish Rao appeared in court to pursue a criminal defamation complaint over alleged claims that he performed black magic or occult rituals.
- When
- He appeared on Thursday; reports differ on the next proceeding, giving September 30 or the following Wednesday.
- Where
- The matter is before the People’s Representatives Court, specifically the Special Judicial First Class Magistrate Court at Nampally in Hyderabad.
- Why
- Harish Rao alleges the respondents made false and defamatory statements and says the remarks were intended to divert attention from criticism of government promises.
Harish Rao’s Allegations
Reported Position of the Congress Leaders
Temple-visit claims
Harish Rao’s Allegations
Harish Rao says allegations that he performed black magic or occult rituals were false, baseless and defamatory, and that ordinary prayers were maliciously portrayed.
Reported Position of the Congress Leaders
The reports attribute the claims to Mahesh Kumar Goud and Addanki Dayakar but do not include their response to the complaint.
Political motive
Harish Rao’s Allegations
Harish Rao alleges the remarks were diversionary politics intended to distract from the BRS’s questions about unfulfilled election promises involving irrigation, electricity and welfare.
Reported Position of the Congress Leaders
The reports do not provide the Congress leaders’ account of the alleged political motive.
Legislative privileges
Harish Rao’s Allegations
Harish Rao says BRS leaders submitted notices over procedural lapses and criticizes the government for not appointing a Deputy Speaker after three years.
Reported Position of the Congress Leaders
The reports do not include the government’s response to these allegations.
- Complainant
- T. Harish Rao, BRS legislative party deputy leader and former minister
- Respondents
- Mahesh Kumar Goud and Addanki Dayakar
- Court
- Special Judicial First Class Magistrate Court for elected representatives, Nampally, Hyderabad
- Alleged remarks
- Claims that Harish Rao performed black magic or occult rituals during a temple visit
- Legal provision
- Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
- Evidence
- Harish Rao said the complaint was supported by evidence
- Next proceeding
- Reports variously state September 30 or the following Wednesday for continued statement recording
