Vijayawada: The state government’s communication adviser Parakala Prabhakar has demanded former Chief Justice of India Justice Markandey Katju to withdraw his comments seeking the dismissal of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for arresting a social media activist. Mr Prabhakar even questioned Justice Katju whether he could tolerate comments on his female family members and remain silent in the name of freedom of speech.
He even slammed the YSRC’s notion of freedom of speech that allows one to draw ‘illegal connection of drivers with mother and sisters’. Mr Parakala reminded that Ravi Kiran had made similar postings against Araku MLA Kothapalli Geetha in 2014 and YSRC leaders had filed a case against him under the SC/ST Atrocities Act. While speaking to the media on Thursday, Dr Prabhakar said comments in social media have crossed the limit and become derogatory.
He said social media activists have presented half-naked photographs and caricatures of leaders, particularly of women, causing personal damage to them. Stating that Justice Katju had earlier made controversial remarks and apologised later, he felt that the comment against CM Chandrababu Naidu’s government was similar and not to be taken seriously. He said that the government was ready to take constructive criticism from the people and the Opposition parties too.
He recalled that the Chief Minister himself had wanted people to react on various issues and give constructive suggestions. However, the comments made by some of the people, including those who were arrested, were in violation of the right to freedom of expression. Dr Prabhakar ridiculed the charge of YSRC president Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy against the government on the arrest of social media activists Inturi Ravi Kiran and Ippala Ravindra Reddy and said their posts were derogatory and insulting.
He said that the duo had posted caricatures and cartoons maligning legislator V. Anitha. Pointing to the YSRC, he wondered how one would justify depicting women legislators in bikinis and using unparlimentary language against them in the name of freedom of expression.
