Supreme Court Judge Justice BR Gavai expressed displeasure over Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s comments made in the Assembly regarding a matter still under judicial consideration. During the hearing of petitions seeking disqualification of MLAs who defected from the BRS party, Justice Gavai advised that individuals in responsible positions must exercise restraint and avoid commenting on matters under court hearing.
A two-judge bench comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih heard the case on Thursday. Advocate Aryama Sundaram from BRS brought to the court’s notice that Revanth Reddy had stated in the Assembly that “by-elections will not be held in the state.” Reacting sharply, Justice Gavai questioned whether the Chief Minister, holding a responsible position, should exercise restraint when speaking on an issue within the court’s jurisdiction. He emphasized that the judiciary respects the democratic system and expects similar respect from other branches of governance.
Justice Gavai also addressed the argument that the Speaker’s actions are independent and not subject to court interference. He questioned if the courts should remain passive in cases of party defections and reminded that, in the past, an Assembly Speaker was made to appear in court over contempt charges. He warned that failure to address defections appropriately would be an insult to the Constitution.
The court reserved its verdict on the matter and hinted at taking a stringent approach if constitutional values are compromised.
