In a major setback to the YSR Congress Party, the Andhra Pradesh High Court, on Thursday, adjourned to June 21 Jagan's
plea seeking permission to campaign in the by-elections through the electronic media and print media.
Since the by-elections campaign ends on 10 June, Jagan will not be able to address voters as intended.
The court directed the Principal Home Secretary to file a counter-petition in this regard. However, the Advocate General told the court that since Jagan was not a political prisoner, he could not be given permission to campaign in the by-elections.
It may be mentioned here that Jagan, in his petition, had appealed to the court to provide him an opportunity to speak to the people through the electronic and print media, under the "Right To Expression" enshrined in Article 19 (1) of the Indian Constitution.
In the petition, Jagan made Principal Secretary (Home), Director General (Prisons), Inspector General and DGP respondents, and sought their permission to speak through the media. (INN)