HYDERABAD: The Supreme Court on Thursday reprimanded Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for his remarks in relation to the bail given to BRS leader K. Kavitha in cases linked to the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam.
An apex court bench comprising Justice B.R. Gavai, Justice P.K. Mishra and Justice K.V. Viswanathan observed that such remarks by a Chief Minister were misleading and would create wrong impressions.
Revanth Reddy, speaking to mediapersons here, had commented that bail was granted to Kavitha due to a deal between the BJP and the BRS. Revanth Reddy also mentioned that Kavitha had secured bail in five months when Manish Sisodia, former Delhi chief minister, had got it after 15 months and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was yet to get bail.
Further, Revanth Reddy also claimed that the BRS had worked for the victory of the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls because of which the party had got eight seats.
On Thursday, during the hearing of the petition filed seeking transfer of ongoing trial in the 2015 cash-for-vote case against Revanth Reddy, then the Telugu Desam MLA from Kodangal, from the Hyderabad court to Madhya Pradesh, the bench expressed its disapproval of the remarks.
Turing to senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi, who had appeared for Kavitha in the bail petition and was now appearing on behalf of Revanth Reddy, Justice Gavai observed: “Just read what he has stated. What sort of statement is this by a responsible Chief Minister? That might rightly create apprehension in the minds of people. Is this a kind of statement which should be made by a Chief Minister? A constitutional functionary is speaking in this manner?”
Justice Gavai observed: “Why should they drag the court into political rivalry? Do we pass orders on consultations with political parties? We are not bothered by politicians or if anybody criticises our orders. We do our duty as per conscience and oath.”
Justice Viswanathan commented, "This is the statement to be made by a responsible person, who is in the office of Chief Minister. Does not Fundamental Duty say that there should be mutual respect for institutions? Maintain arm's length, but have respect. Look at the statement."
"If such is the conduct, let him face trial outside. if he doesn't have respect for the Supreme Court, the highest court in the country....," Justice Gavai said.
Senior counsel Rohatgi apologised to the court on behalf of Revanth Reddy and senior counsel Siddarth Luthra stated that the Chief Minister would be counseled.
