NEW DELHI: A day after the rebuke by the Supreme Court, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday "unconditionally" expressed regret for the statements, saying he has the highest regard for the judiciary and the Constitution.
On August 29, the apex court castigated Reddy for casting aspersion on the Supreme Court for its order granting bail to BRS leader K Kavitha.
The court was then hearing a plea for transfer of trial in 2015 cash-for-vote scam outside the state, to Bhopal.
In an X post, Reddy said, "I have the highest regard and full faith in the Indian Judiciary. I understand that certain press reports dated 29th August, 2024 containing comments attributed to me have given the impression that I am questioning the judicial wisdom of the Hon’ble Court."
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He further said, "I reiterate that I am a firm believer of the judicial process. I unconditionally express my regret for the statements reflected in the press reports."
Reddy claimed the remarks attributed to him in such reports have been taken out of context.
"I have unconditional respect and highest regard for the Judiciary and its independence. As a firm believer in the Constitution of India and its ethos, I have and continue to hold the Judiciary in its highest esteem," he added.
The court had on Thursday took a strong exception to his statement with regard to manner the top court decided cases, saying it was not foreclosing transfer of trial against him and others in 2015 cash-for-vote scam outside the state.
"If someone has audacity of commenting on an order of the Supreme Court...we will pass our order in consultation with a political party? It should be a ground for transfer. We are not bothered about someone criticising us. We do our duty as per our conscience. We don't interfere into the sphere of legislature. There should be respect," the bench said.
Reddy's counsel senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Sidharth Luthra had then assured the court that they would advise the Chief Minister about his public statements.
On May 31, 2015, Revanth Reddy, then with the Telugu Desam Party, was arrested by the anti-corruption bureau (ACB) while allegedly paying Rs 50 lakh bribe to Elvis Stephenson, a nominated MLA, for supporting TDP nominee Vem Narendar Reddy in the legislative council elections.
Apart from Revanth Reddy, the ACB had arrested some others. All of them were later granted bail.
The present plea before the court was filed by BRS MLA Guntakandla Jagadish Reddy and three others, seeking transfer of trial saying the Telangana CM has been publicly making statements on the case.
