In a significant development for Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, the Supreme Court has provided substantial relief in the ongoing vote-for-note case. The court conducted a hearing today on a petition filed by BRS leader and former minister Jagadishwar Reddy, which sought to transfer the case to a High Court in another state. After hearing arguments from both sides, the bench aligned with Revanth Reddy’s legal team and declined the request to move the case. The court noted that there was no evidence to support claims that the Chief Minister would influence the investigation. At this stage, the court clarified that it could not entertain Jagadishwar Reddy’s petition.
The Supreme Court has issued key directives regarding the case, instructing that there should be no interference from outside parties. It ordered the ACB not to report any details of the case to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and denied a request for oversight by a retired judge. The court mentioned that if Revanth Reddy intervenes in the case in the future, the petitioner could approach the Supreme Court again.
Background of the Case
The Telangana ACB registered the case against Revanth Reddy in 2015, alleging that he attempted to bribe a nominated MLA during the election for the MLA quota in the Legislative Council. The release of a video showing discussions between Revanth Reddy and the nominated MLA, Stephenson, caused a stir. Revanth Reddy was arrested and spent time in jail due to this case.
The situation escalated further when phone conversations between then-Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Stephenson were also leaked, intensifying the controversy. Leaders like KCR and YS Jagan criticized Chandrababu Naidu, accusing him of trying to buy MLAs in Telangana with money allegedly embezzled in Andhra Pradesh.