Telangana CM Seeks Exemption From Court Hearing

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, facing a criminal case for remarks made in a public speech suggesting that the BJP would abolish SC, ST, and BC reservations if voted to power, has filed a petition in the Nampally Metropolitan Magistrate Court seeking exemption from appearing in person. He cited his busy schedule due to official meetings and filed a petition through his lawyer. The court directed the Chief Minister to furnish a personal bond with two sureties of Rs 15,000 each. The case, filed by BJP Telangana state general secretary Kasam Venkateshwarlu, stems from Revanth Reddy’s speech during the 2024 general elections. The next hearing is scheduled for October 16, 2024.

On Tuesday, the special court for ED cases directed Revanth Reddy to appear before it on October 16. The orders were issued on a chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate in relation to the `50 lakh cash transaction in the 2015 cash-for-vote case, in which he is an accused. The CM has to appear before the court on October 16, because the case is in the stage of framing of charges. The charges will be explained and the accused is asked whether they plead guilty to the offence.