‘State Is Like a Parent’: Andhra Pradesh High Court Warns Against Impulsive Defamation Cases

The Andhra Pradesh High Court quashed criminal defamation proceedings against a local media house, observing that the State must act with “patience and maturity” when faced with criticism.

Drawing a parental analogy, the Court observed that governments cannot claim defamation unless specific officials or departments are targeted with false and malicious imputations.

Justice Y. Lakshmana Rao emphasised that fair reporting done in good faith is protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.

He cautioned that impulsive criminal prosecutions by the State against the media risk creating a chilling effect on free speech and undermine democratic values.