Tollywood superstar Nagarjuna Akkineni and his son, actor Naga Chaitanya, appeared before the Nampally Metropolitan Magistrate Court on Wednesday to record their statements in a criminal defamation case filed against Telangana Minister for Forest and Environment, Konda Surekha. The father-son duo reached the court in connection with the petition Nagarjuna had filed, alleging that the minister’s remarks about his family had tarnished their dignity and reputation. Speaking to the media briefly outside the court, Nagarjuna stated that the matter now lies entirely with the judiciary and that they would respect whatever decision the court arrives at.
The case stems from comments made by Minister Konda Surekha in October last year, where she linked Naga Chaitanya’s divorce from actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu to political leader K. T. Rama Rao. The minister’s remarks quickly gained traction, stirring controversy and drawing criticism for dragging personal lives into political debates. In response, Samantha issued a dignified statement clarifying that her separation was by mutual consent and that the decision was amicable. She further urged leaders to exercise caution while making public statements and to respect individual privacy. Following widespread backlash, Surekha later withdrew her comments through a post on social media, explaining that her intention was not to cause personal distress but to raise political concerns.
Despite the withdrawal, Nagarjuna proceeded to file a case under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), arguing that the comments had already inflicted damage on his family’s public image. He stressed that remarks involving his son’s personal life and marital issues were deeply hurtful and disrespectful. Legal experts believe this case could serve as an important precedent in balancing freedom of speech with accountability for statements that affect personal dignity. With both Nagarjuna and Naga Chaitanya now having officially recorded their statements, the case will move forward for judicial consideration in the coming weeks.
