Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh government advisor Dr Parakala Prabhakar took strong exception to the remarks of Supreme Court retired judge Justice Markandeya Katju on the arrests of social media activists by the police. Justice Katju had recommended dismissal of the Chandrababu Naidu government for the arrest of people for making comments against the government in the social media. The retired judge also demanded imposition of President rule in the State.

Reacting to the demands, Dr Prabhakar said that the comments in the social media have crossed the limit and have become derogatory. The social media activists have presented half-naked photographs, caricatures of the leaders, particularly women causing personal damage to them. Stating that Justice Katju had earlier made controversial remarks and had apologized later, he felt that the comment against Chandrababu Naidu government too 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 YSR Congress president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy against the government on the arrest of social media activists Inturi Ravi Kiran and Ippala Ravindra Reddy and said that the posts of these two persons in the social media were derogatory and insulting. He said that the two persons have posted caricatures and cartoons damaging the personal character to legislator V Anitha resulting in their arrests and the subsequent release on bail.