Supreme Court Criticizes Telangana Chief Minister’s Remarks in WhatsApp Group
(Judicial Quest News Network)
New Delhi 02, September 2024
Today, the Supreme Court of India voiced strong disapproval regarding remarks allegedly made by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy in an official WhatsApp group associated with the Telangana Congress Party. The remarks were under scrutiny during a hearing of a petition concerning the transfer of a trial pending against Reddy in the 2015 “cash-for-votes” case.
The bench, comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K.V. Viswanathan, expressed dissatisfaction with Reddy’s alleged comments. Specifically, the court was addressing an interim application filed by petitioner BRS MLA Guntur Kandla Jagdish Reddy. The application sought to introduce additional documents, alleging that Revanth Reddy had criticized a court order that granted bail to BRS leader K. Kavita.
At the outset, Senior Advocate Aryama Sundaram, representing the petitioners, sought to draw the court’s attention to comments made by Reddy. The bench objected to the inclusion of certain photographs in the petition, which featured images of lawyers. Justice Gavai remarked that such photographs, which might depict individuals representing opposing parties, were inappropriate and aimed at causing undue embarrassment. The court emphasized that maintaining professional courtesy is essential, noting that different cases should not be conflated for the purpose of causing discomfort.
In response, Sundaram clarified that there was no intention to embarrass anyone and apologized for the inclusion of the photographs. He conceded that the photographs should have been redacted.
Addressing the alleged remarks made by Reddy in the WhatsApp group, Sundaram argued that Reddy had used derogatory language, suggesting unequal treatment between land grabbers and government officials. Sundaram further contended that because the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s prosecution is directly overseen by Reddy, transferring the trial to another state would ensure impartiality.
Senior Advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Siddharth Luthra, representing Reddy, argued that Reddy had issued an apology and attempted to rectify the situation. They argued that the matter should be considered resolved, given that the remarks were made on August 29 and an apology was issued the following day, August 30.
Justice Gavai expressed concern over the involvement of courts and lawyers in the controversy, highlighting the importance of upholding judicial restraint and respect. The court directed Reddy to file a reply to the petitioner’s application and scheduled the matter for further hearing in two weeks.
Previously, the court had expressed strong disapproval of Reddy’s remarks concerning the bail granted to K. Kavita, a BRS leader. Despite this, the court urged the continuation of hearings on the issue of transferring the trial.
Background
The petition was filed by four members of the Telangana Legislative Council, seeking the transfer of the trial related to cases involving Revanth Reddy and others from Telangana to Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The cases are currently before a special judge in Telangana.
The petitioners allege that CM Reddy attempted to bribe MLA Elvis Stephenson with Rs. 50 lakhs to either abstain from voting or vote in favor of the Telugu Desam Party during the 2015 Telangana MLC elections. It is further alleged that these actions were conducted under the direction of Reddy’s former superior, Andhra Pradesh CM Nara Chandrababu Naidu.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau reportedly caught the accused in the act, but the petitioners argue that due to Reddy’s high-profile position as Telangana’s current Chief Minister, a transfer to an independent state is necessary to ensure a fair trial.
The petitioners also claim that there are 88 pending cases against Reddy and that he has allegedly threatened senior Telangana police officials.
Notice was issued on the petition on February 9, and responses have been received from both the Telangana government and CM Reddy.
