Relief for Bandi Sai Bhagirath in High Court

The Telangana High Court has directed social media platforms and television channels not to broadcast or circulate content related to the POCSO case involving Bandi Sai Bhagirath, the son of a political leader. Justice E.V. Venugopal heard a petition filed by Sai Bhagirath, who alleged that details of the case registered against him were being repeatedly aired across various media platforms. Senior advocate Avinash Desai, appearing for the petitioner, told the court that a case was registered at Petbasheerabad Police Station in May 2026 under the POCSO Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), based on a woman’s complaint. He also submitted that Sai Bhagirath was granted regular bail on July 9, but coverage of the case continued. According to the petition, some platforms were also linking photographs and videos from his personal events to the case, allegedly damaging his reputation.

The petitioner’s counsel further argued that certain broadcasts had made allegations against the lawyers representing him and that the continued coverage amounted to a media trial while the matter remained before the court. After hearing the arguments, the High Court directed the concerned social media platforms and television channels not to broadcast content related to the POCSO case. The court also directed the Union Ministries of Information and Broadcasting and Electronics and Information Technology, the Telangana Home Department Secretary, the Director General of Police, Google, Meta, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and several television channels to file counter-affidavits within four weeks. The matter has been adjourned for further hearing.