Supreme Court to Appoint Special Prosecutor in Telangana Cash-for-Vote Scam

The Supreme Court plans to appoint a special prosecutor in the 2015 cash-for-vote scam involving Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. A petition seeks trial transfer from Telangana to Bhopal. The petition argues for a free and fair trial, citing Revanth Reddy's influence as both CM and Home Minister.

The Supreme Court announced on Thursday that a special prosecutor will be appointed to oversee the trial in the 2015 cash-for-vote scam, implicating Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.

This decision came after hearing a petition that requested the trial be moved from Telangana to Bhopal.

A bench of Justices B R Gavai, P K Mishra, and K V Viswanathan stated they would pass an order at 2 PM after consulting colleagues from Telangana. Senior advocate C Aryama Sundaram, representing Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLA Guntakandla Jagadish Reddy and others, cited Telangana CM Reddy's public comments on the case as a reason for transfer.

The bench noted that mere apprehensions couldn't justify distrust in judicial officers. However, they agreed to appoint an independent public prosecutor to ensure confidence in the judicial process. The plea argues for a fair trial, emphasizing impartiality, especially as Revanth Reddy holds influential positions which could affect witness testimonies.

(With inputs from agencies.)