[tps_footer]In a decision that came as a shocker, The Andhra Pradesh High Court has directed Telugu film actors Mohan Babu and Brahmanandam to return their Padma Shri awards. Manchu Mohan Babu and Kanneganti Brahmanandam were awarded Padma Shri in 2007 and 2009, respectively.

The court has asked both Mohan Babu and Brahmanandam to give up these awards to the Union Government for violation of rules. The controversy erupted when the recipients carried the title of Padma Shri as prefix to their names in the credits of the controversial film Denikina Ready.

The bench who passed this decision comprised of Chief Justice Kalyan Jyothi Sengupta and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar. It all began when BJP senior leader N. Indrasena Reddy filed a written petition against actor-producer Mohan Babu and comedian Brahmanandam in December 2012, saying that the Supreme Court, quoting Article 18 (1) of the Constitution, had held that the national award did not amount to a title and should not be used as a suffix or prefix and in case of non-compliance, the defaulter should forfeit the award.

During the hearing, the counsel representing Mohan Babu told the court that an actor would have no say over the display of titles in a film. However, the chief justice noticed that Twenty Four Frames Factory Pvt., owned by Mohan Babu’s family, produced the film.

Indrasena Reddy, while welcoming the ruling also stated that the film, Denikina Ready, had not only misused the national honours, but also showed Brahmins and Purohits in poor light, which were condemned by one and all.

“What baffled everyone was the attitude of the makers of the film, who instead of expressing regrets went on an offensive against the community,” an angry Reddy stated.

The bench adjourned the matter conceding the requests of the counsels of Brahmanandam and Mohana Babu is expected to meet up on Monday, December 30, 2013 to take this matter up.[/tps_footer]