1 hr ago
Telangana High Court Handles Ambedkar Book and Sakshi Pleas
The Telangana High Court dealt with two different cases on Thursday.
One case involved a book about Dr B.R. Ambedkar that petitioners said was insulting.
The book was planned for release on September 18.
The government said the author, N Prasad, had been arrested and copies had been taken by police.
The police also registered a case and will examine whether the book was offered on online shopping platforms.
Because of this, the court closed the petitions seeking to stop the release.
In the other case, Sakshi-related companies challenged the blocking of their Facebook and Instagram accounts.
They withdrew that case and were allowed to take it to the Andhra Pradesh High Court instead.
The Telangana High Court disposed of pleas seeking to stop release of an allegedly derogatory book on Dr B.R. Ambedkar.
The State said author N Prasad, also known as Hamara Prasad, had been arrested, copies seized and an FIR registered.
The court was told that sales through Amazon, Flipkart and other digital platforms would be examined during the investigation.
The court allowed Sakshi TV and Sakshi News operators to withdraw their social-media blocking petition.
The petitioners received permission to approach the Andhra Pradesh High Court, which was described as the more appropriate forum.
- Who
- The Telangana High Court, N Prasad alias Hamara Prasad, petitioners challenging the book, and Sakshi-related companies and their directors.
- What
- The court disposed of book-release pleas after the author’s arrest and allowed withdrawal of a social-media access petition with permission to approach the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
- Where
- The Telangana High Court; the withdrawn social-media case may be pursued before the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
- When
- Thursday; the book had been scheduled for release on September 18, while the cited social-media restrictions began on September 1, 3 and 10.
- Why
- Book petitioners cited alleged derogatory portrayals of Dr Ambedkar and possible public-order concerns; Sakshi petitioners sought restoration of accounts and disclosure of blocking directions.
Petitioners’ claims
Authorities’ and respondents’ position
Ambedkar book release
Petitioners’ claims
The petitioners said the book portrayed Dr B.R. Ambedkar in a derogatory manner, harmed his image, could hurt public sentiment and might create law-and-order problems.
Authorities’ and respondents’ position
The State informed the court that the author had already been arrested, copies had been seized and the book’s online sale would be examined as part of the investigation.
Sakshi account restrictions
Petitioners’ claims
The petitioners alleged that their Facebook and Instagram access and 107 listed content items were restricted without legally required notice and an opportunity to be heard, and sought restoration.
Authorities’ and respondents’ position
The petitioners’ counsel said the Andhra Pradesh High Court was the more appropriate forum because most allegations and the cause of action related to Andhra Pradesh; respondents did not oppose withdrawal.
Outcome of the proceedings
Petitioners’ claims
The book petitioners sought judicial restraint on the proposed release, while the Sakshi petitioners sought directions concerning account access and blocking communications.
Authorities’ and respondents’ position
The Telangana High Court disposed of the book pleas after taking note of the arrest and seizure, and permitted the Sakshi petitioners to withdraw with liberty to approach the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
Key facts
- Book
- “Kalpitha Nayakudu (fabricated leader) - Volume 1”
- Book author
- N Prasad, also known as Hamara Prasad
- Police action
- Prasad was arrested, copies were seized, and FIR 223 of 2026 was registered under Sections 353(2), 196 and 352(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- Social-media platforms
- The petition concerned Sakshi-related Instagram and Facebook accounts.
- Reported disabling dates
- The Sakshi News Instagram account was reportedly disabled on September 10; @sakshitvdigital Instagram and Sakshi TV Facebook access on September 1 and 3.
- Next legal forum
- The petitioners were allowed to approach the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
Sources
Related news
Telangana Protests Intensify Over Controversial Book On Ambedkar
Two BRS MLCs arrested over alleged remarks against Telangana Speaker
BRS MLCs Arrested Over Remarks Against Telangana Speaker
High Court Quashes Aakriti Chaudhary Detention, Sparks Political Questions
Indian Courts and Officials Face Detention, Speech Controversies
