NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has directed Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and other accused in the 2015 cash-for-votes case to submit their replies within two weeks. The Court expressed its displeasure over Reddy's recent remarks on court orders, noting that high-ranking officials are expected to exercise restraint.
A two-judge bench, led by Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan, scheduled the next hearing for two weeks later. The bench criticized Reddy's comments questioning bail decisions in related cases, highlighting that such remarks from someone in a constitutional position are inappropriate.
The Supreme Court was reviewing a plea from four BRS lawmakers, including MLA Guntakandla Jagadish Reddy, requesting a transfer of the trial outside Telangana. The petition argues that a fair trial is impossible due to Reddy's current role as both Chief Minister and Home Minister, potentially influencing witnesses.
Reddy had been arrested in 2015 for allegedly offering Rs 50 lakh to secure votes for a TDP candidate.