Ambedkar book release: HC disposes pleas after author N Prasad’s arrest

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Thursday disposed of two writs seeking to restrain the release of a controversial book on Dr B.R. Ambedkar, after the State informed the court that the author had already been arrested and copies seized.

Justice Tangirala Madhavi Devi heard the petitions, moved by way of lunch-motion, concerning the proposed release of “Kalpitha Nayakudu (fabricated leader) - Volume 1”, authored by Prasad alias Hamara Prasad. The book was scheduled to be released on September 18.

The petitioners alleged that the book portrayed Dr Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution, in a derogatory manner and lowered his image. They contended that its release could hurt the sentiments of people who hold Dr Ambedkar in high esteem and could also lead to law-and-order problems.

Government Pleader (Home) Mahesh Raje informed the court that the police had already arrested Prasad and registered FIR 223 of 2026 under Sections 353(2), 196 and 352(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The police had seized copies of the book found in the author’s possession. The sale of the book through Amazon, Flipkart and other digital platforms would also be examined as part of the investigation.

Taking note of the submissions, Justice Devi disposed of the two writs.

Sakshi Group withdraws SM access plea,to approach AP High Court A division bench of the Telangana HC on Thursday permitted Indira Television Ltd, Jagati Publications Ltd and their directors to withdraw a writ challenging the blocking of their Sakshi TV and Sakshi news social media accounts.

The bench of Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice Vakiti Ramakrishna Reddy, allowed the petitioners to approach the Andhra Pradesh High Court, following a submission by senior counsel S Niranjan Reddy.

The petitioners had challenged the disabling of access in India to their Instagram and Facebook accounts. They alleged that access to the Sakshi News Instagram account was disabled on September 10, while access to the @sakshitvdigital Instagram account and the Sakshi TV Facebook page was disabled on September 1 and 3 respectively.

They sought directions to the Centre, the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments, and Meta Platforms and its Indian entities to disclose directions or communications issued for blocking or restricting their social media accounts.

The petitioners had sought restoration of access to the affected accounts and 107 items of content listed in the petition. They contended that any restriction should be imposed only in accordance with law, including prior notice and an opportunity of hearing.

Reddy told the bench that, after examining the issue, he had advised his clients that the Andhra Pradesh HC would be a more appropriate forum since most of the allegations and the cause of action related to AP. He specifically requested the bench to record that the withdrawal was being sought before arguments were opened and not after the petitioners had argued the issue and failed to persuade the court on jurisdiction. The bench permitted the petitioners to withdraw the writ with liberty to approach the AP HC. The respondents did not object.

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