**Court Orders Criminal Case Against Konda Surekha in KTR Defamation Row**

Swift Summary

• A Nampally court directed police to register a criminal case against minister for Endowments adn Forests Konda Surekha.
• The case stems from a defamation complaint filed by BRS working president and MLA, K.T. Rama Rao.
• The court reviewed preliminary evidence and found prima facie material to proceed under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
• Konda Surekha is accused of making baseless statements publicly against Mr. Rama Rao without factual support.
• the court rejected objections from Ms. Surekha’s legal team on jurisdictional grounds, backing its ruling with prior High Court directives.
• A pen drive submitted as evidence will be assessed during the trial stage; issues over Section 65-B certification were deemed premature at this point.
• Notice is to be served to Ms. Konda Surekha on or before August 21, 2025.

Indian Opinion Analysis
This case highlights the importance of adhering to legal standards while addressing public allegations in India’s political landscape. By accepting preliminary evidence and proceeding despite challenges on jurisdictional grounds, the court underscores its role in ensuring accountability while respecting procedural fairness under Indian law. For politicians like Ms. Konda Surekha, this marks a moment where public statements can have serious legal consequences if deemed defamatory without factual backing-a growth signaling greater scrutiny of political discourse in India.Read more: The Hindu