Telangana HC quashes criminal case against CM Revanth over 2024 poll remarks
The case was based on a private complaint filed by a BJP leader, alleging that the CM made objectionable statements about reservations during a public rally
By Newsmeter Network
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy (File Photo)
Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has quashed a criminal case filed against Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy over remarks made during the 2024 Assembly election campaign.
The case was based on a private complaint filed by a BJP leader, alleging that the CM made objectionable statements about reservations during a public rally.
HC allows criminal petition, quashes proceedings
Justice Kunuru Lakshman of the HC, hearing the matter on Friday, allowed the criminal petition filed by the Chief Minister and set aside the proceedings in CC No. 312/2024. The case was pending before the Principal Special Judicial First Class Magistrate for Excise Cases at Nampally, Hyderabad.
The charges were framed under Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code (defamation) and Section 125 of the Representation of the People Act (promoting enmity during elections).
Complaint originated from BJP leader
The case was registered following a private complaint lodged by BJP Telangana General Secretary Kasam Venkateshwarulu from Nalgonda district.
In his complaint, he alleged that during the ‘Jana Jatara Sabha’ held on May 4, 2024, at Prakasam Stadium in Kothagudem, Revanth Reddy publicly claimed that the BJP, if elected to power, would remove reservations for SCs, STs and BCs.
The complainant contended that the statement was defamatory, misleading, and aimed at stirring public sentiment against the BJP during the election campaign.
Trial court order set aside
Earlier, the trial court had taken cognisance of the complaint and initiated proceedings in March 2024. However, the High Court found merit in CM Revanth’s plea seeking quashing of the case and accordingly struck down the trial court’s order dated March 28, 2024.
