Supreme Court Rebukes Telangana CM Over Comments on Kavitha's Bail

The Supreme Court criticized Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy for his remarks linking BRS leader K Kavitha's bail to a purported deal with the BJP. Reddy's comments raised concerns about the court's impartiality. The court emphasized its independence, asserting that political considerations do not influence its orders.

The Supreme Court on Thursday took strong exception to Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's comments regarding the bail granted to BRS leader K Kavitha in connection with the alleged Delhi excise policy scam.

Reacting to Reddy's suggestion of an alleged collusion between the BJP and BRS for Kavitha's bail, the Supreme Court remarked that such statements could undermine public trust in the judiciary.

''Have you read in the newspaper what he said? 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? 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 criticizes our orders. We do our duty as per conscience and oath,'' stated a three-judge bench headed by Justice B R Gavai, addressing senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared for Reddy.

In an interaction with media personnel, Reddy had questioned the relatively swift bail for MLC Kavitha compared to others like Manish Sisodia and Arvind Kejriwal. ''It is a fact that BRS worked for the victory of the BJP in the 2024 LS polls. There is also talk that Kavitha got bail because of the deal between BRS and BJP,'' he had alleged. The apex court emphasized the necessity for mutual respect among institutions and maintaining a professional distance.

''We always say we will not interfere in the legislature, then that is expected from them also. Do we pass orders on political considerations?'' the bench, comprised of Justices P K Mishra and K V Viswanathan, observed.

The top court was hearing a petition seeking to transfer the trial in the 2015 cash-for-vote scam case, in which Reddy is an accused, from the state to Bhopal.

(With inputs from agencies.)