Supreme Court Slams Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Over By-Election Remarks | CineChitram

The Supreme Court has given a strong rebuke to Telangana Chief Minister Enmula Revanth Reddy’s recent comment regarding by-elections, holding the view that in case the statements are made inside the Assembly, they could amount to defying constitutional tenets. During a hearing on Wednesday, a bench headed by Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih expressed apprehension over the issue, which means there can be legal ramifications in store.

The controversy broke out after ten Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLAs switched sides to join the ruling Congress party after the Telangana Assembly elections. In reaction, BRS leaders went to the Supreme Court seeking their instant disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law. The issue further escalated when the court took notice of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s recent statement in the Assembly, wherein he allegedly ruled out by-elections for the defected MLAs’ seats.

BRS has contended that the Anti-Defection Law exists to maintain the dignity of elected representatives and curb the practice of party-hopping. The party had previously filed a complaint with Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, requesting him to take suitable action. But with the Speaker saying he would make a decision “at the right time,” BRS Working President K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) and other top leaders approached the Supreme Court out of fear of constitutional abuse.

In the proceedings, BRS counsel senior advocate Aryama Sundaram pointed out Revanth Reddy’s Assembly statements to the court. The Supreme Court showed serious concern and cautioned that such comments could weaken the efficacy of the Anti-Defection Law, which is vital in ensuring political stability.

The bench also attacked senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Telangana government, on his position. The judges remarked that it was highly improper on the part of a sitting Chief Minister to issue such a statement and warned that the court may issue contempt notices if necessary. Although no instant action was taken, the bench made it obvious that it would not hesitate to do so if necessary.

As the case gains momentum, political analysts believe that the involvement of the Supreme Court can establish a big precedent in handling political defections in India. What happens in this case is going to create a big splash on Telangana politics, with BRS and Congress eagerly waiting for the next move to be made by the court.

As the legal showdown heightens, all attention now is focused on the Supreme Court’s coming hearings, which would decide the future of the defected MLAs and redefine the political future of the state.

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