O R D E R:

This Criminal Petition is filed under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (for short, “Cr.P.C.”), seeking quashment of the proceedings in Crime No.270 of 2022, dated 16.08.2022, registered by Mahabubabad Town Police Station, Mahabubabad District.

2. The petitioners are arrayed as Accused Nos.3, 4, 5 and 36 in the aforesaid crime. The allegations against them attract offences punishable under Sections 500, 501, 502 and 509 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (for short, “IPC”), and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, pursuant to a referral made under Section 156(3) Cr.P.C.

3. Heard Mr. A. Chandra Shaker, learned counsel appearing for the petitioners, and Mr. M. Vivekananda Reddy, learned Assistant Public Prosecutor appearing for respondent No.1–State. Learned counsel representing respondent No.2/defacto complainant was also heard.

Factual Background

4. The material on record discloses that respondent No.2 instituted a private complaint under Section 200 Cr.P.C. alleging that the accused persons had published and telecast false, malicious and defamatory news concerning her, thereby causing serious injury to her reputation and dignity. The learned