KTR sends legal notices to Revanth, Bandi Sanjay; threatens Rs 100 cr defamation suit

Hyderabad: Telangana IT minister KTR has sent legal notices to TPCC President Revanth Reddy and BJP State President Bandi Sanjay over their allegations regarding the Telangana Public Service Commission (TSPSC) paper leak. Through his lawyer, KTR demanded an immediate public apology for the false accusations that have been made against him.

KTR claimed that both leaders intentionally damaged his reputation by repeatedly lying about the TSPSC case. He also mentioned that they have no right to make false accusations against anyone, particularly when they are representatives of the people.

The legal notice, which was sent under Sections 499 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code, demanded that Revanth Reddy and Bandi Sanjay refrain from making further untruthful allegations and retract their previous statements. Failure to do so within a week would result in a Rs. 100 crore defamation suit against them.

In the notice, KTR cited evidence to support his claims and stated that the baseless allegations made by the two leaders were politically motivated. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining a clean and truthful public discourse, particularly in matters related to government institutions.

What does the notice say?

The legal notice states, “In response to your false and baseless defamatory statements made at various press meets against my Client which were telecast and published in various news channels including digital and social media and across numerous print publications across the country viz. V6 News, NTV Telugu, Sakshi TV, TVS etc. from 17 March 2023 to 25 March 2023.”

It further says that the individual is liable for prosecution for an offense of defamation punishable under Section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, as defined under Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code. Additionally, the individual is liable for exemplary damages, which the client calculates at a token sum of Rs. 1 crore. The notice demands that the individual refrain from making any further derogatory or defamatory statements, apologise to his client (KTR), and withdraw the statements made against him. Failure to comply with the notice could result in the client initiating appropriate legal proceedings in the courts of competent jurisdiction, holding the individual solely responsible for all the costs and consequences thereof.

Revanth Reddy Responds to Legal Notice

In response to the legal notice, TPCC President, Revanth Reddy stated that Minister KTR is putting direct and indirect pressure on investigating officers and counter-attacking them to escape from the case. He further questioned how KTR got information about those who took the exam in Jagitiyala before the SIT investigation report was submitted to the court. “The SIT officer A.R. Srinivas investigating the paper leak case has a poor track record,” alleged Revanth Reddy. He demanded the SIT serve notice to KTR also.

SIT summons

Earlier, Revanth Reddy and Bandi Sanjay were summoned by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Telangana police for their allegations in connection with the Telangana Public Service Commission (TSPSC) paper leak. Now, the minister has filed a case against them for harming his reputation and lowering his character.