HC allows Andhra Minister Peddireddi to talk to media

Amaravati, Feb 10 : Andhra Pradesh High Court on Wednesday allowed Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy to speak to the media, reversing a gag order imposed by State Election Commissioner Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar, which was also upheld by the Court for a few days.
However, the Court directed the Minister to refrain from commenting anything disrespectful to Kumar or undermining the State Election Commission’s respect.
Henceforth, Reddy can speak to the media, obeying the Court’s orders.
His advocate highlighted that the freedom of speech and liberty are fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution under Articles 19 and 21.
Kumar, earlier ordered the Director General of Police Gautam Sawang to confine Reddy to his home until the end of rural local bodies elections over allegedly threatening election officials.
This order was struck down by the court and now Reddy’s media access has also been restored.