The warrant was issued after the minister failed to appear for the commencement of the trial in the defamation case pending before the court.
Published Dec 12, 2025 | 8:06 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 12, 2025 | 8:06 AM
Konda Surekha. (X)
Synopsis: The Special Court for Public Representatives at Nampally in Hyderabad issued a Non-Bailable Warrant against Telangana Minister Konda Surekha in a defamation case filed by BRS Working President KT Rama Rao.
In a significant development in the criminal proceedings initiated by BRS Working President KT Rama Rao (KTR), the Special Court for Public Representatives at Nampally in Hyderabad on Thursday, 11 December, issued a Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) against Telangana Minister Konda Surekha. The warrant was issued after the minister failed to appear for the commencement of the trial in the defamation case pending before the court.
The case was listed for the trial’s opening examination on Thursday. However, despite being served notice, Surekha did not attend the hearing. The magistrate noted that she neither appeared in person nor filed a petition explaining her inability to attend or seeking exemption from personal appearance.
Observing that the minister had been absent from earlier proceedings as well, the court said her conduct amounted to “blatant non-cooperation” with the judicial process. The repeated failure to attend despite multiple adjournments compelled the court to issue the NBW to ensure her presence.
A Non-Bailable Warrant is a coercive legal instrument directing the police to take the accused into custody and produce them before the court. Unlike a bailable warrant, an NBW does not grant the accused the right to secure immediate release. Courts typically issue NBWs only when the accused repeatedly avoids appearance despite due notice.
The defamation case followed remarks allegedly made by Surekha during a heated political exchange in October 2024. KTR, who holds the position of Working President of the BRS, filed the criminal complaint alleging that the minister had made false, derogatory, and reputation-damaging statements against him during press briefings and political meetings.
He approached the Special Court — designated for cases involving MPs and MLAs — seeking prosecution under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, including sections pertaining to criminal defamation.
After examining the complaint and supporting material, the court took cognisance of the case earlier this year and issued a summons to the minister. However, progress has been slow due to her repeated absence, leading the court to issue an NBW.
The development comes at a politically sensitive time for the state, where confrontations between the ruling party and the BRS have intensified. The case filed by KTR has become a flashpoint in the ongoing rivalry between the two leaders, and Thursday’s NBW order is likely to trigger renewed political debate.
After issuing the NBW, the court adjourned the matter to 5 February 2026, directing that further trial will proceed only after the minister is produced before the bench.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
