Supreme Court grants interim relief to Telgu actor in journalist assault case

The Supreme Court granted interim relief to Telugu actor Mohan Babu, barring police action against him in a journalist assault case. Babu cited personal disputes and expressed willingness to apologise and offer compensation.

In Short

• Telgu actor Mohan Babu accused of assaulting journalist with microphone
• Supreme Court issues four-week notice on anticipatory bail plea
• Babu's lawyer offers public apology, compensation

The Supreme Court on Thursday granted interim relief to Telugu actor Mohan Babu, preventing the police from taking coercive actions against him in a case involving the assault of a journalist.

The incident occurred when Babu clashed with a reporter from a national news channel, causing injuries that led to hospitalisation. The assault began when Babu allegedly threw a microphone at the journalist.

A bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Prashant Kumar issued a four-week notice in response to a plea filed by Babu, challenging the Telangana High Court's decision to deny him anticipatory bail.

During the hearing, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Babu, explained the circumstances surrounding the assault. He stated that Babu had a dispute with his estranged son, who entered his home with a media crew of 20-30 people. In the heat of the moment, Babu threw the microphone at the journalist. Rohatgi added that Babu was willing to issue a public apology and provide compensation if necessary.

The lawyer for the journalist informed the bench that Babu had visited the hospital and allegedly pressured the journalist to withdraw the complaint. The bench instructed the journalist's counsel to determine whether compensation was being sought from Babu.