Telangana High Court Postpones Hearing on CM Revanth Reddy's Defamation Case
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Synopsis
The Telangana High Court has delayed the hearing on Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's petition to dismiss a defamation case stemming from comments made during last year's Lok Sabha election campaign. The case, filed by a BJP leader, alleges that Reddy's remarks were defamatory and incited community tensions.
Key Takeaways
- The Telangana High Court adjourned the hearing to June 12.
- Revanth Reddy argues political speeches are not defamatory.
- BJP leader claims Reddy's statements were inflammatory.
- The case is pending in Nampally Public Representatives Court.
- High Court exempted Reddy from personal appearance.
Hyderabad, April 25 (NationPress) The Telangana High Court has postponed the hearing regarding the petition submitted by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, who is seeking to dismiss a case against him concerning alleged defamatory comments made during the Lok Sabha election campaign last year.
In his petition, the Chief Minister argued that political speeches should not be considered defamatory. He referenced several Supreme Court decisions to support his claim.
During the session held on Friday, the High Court adjourned the matter until June 12.
A BJP leader lodged a complaint against Revanth Reddy for purportedly making defamatory statements about the BJP during a speech at Kothagudem on May 4, 2024.
BJP state General Secretary Kasam Venkateshwarulu accused Revanth Reddy of making inflammatory remarks that suggested that if the BJP gained power, it would eliminate SC, ST, and BC reservations.
Venkateshwarulu described the speech as a calculated effort to mislead and incite voters from these communities.
He claimed that the Chief Minister breached Section 499 of the IPC and Section 125 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
The complainant also asserted that the remarks made by the Congress leader defamed the BJP and fostered enmity among the public.
The case is currently under review in the Nampally Public Representatives Court. Venkateshwarulu has provided audio and video evidence of the Chief Minister's speech to the court, which has also recorded the complainant's testimony.
In response, the Chief Minister approached the High Court, requesting the dismissal of the case, arguing that it is unfounded and politically driven.
Revanth Reddy further claimed that the complainant discussed a morphed video. The High Court was informed that several police stations, including the Telangana Cyber Crime Police Station, have received complaints about the altered video, and investigations are underway.
The Chief Minister contended that if the video featuring Amit Shah discussing reservations was indeed morphed, then there is no basis for the case against him.
The High Court has excused the Chief Minister from appearing personally in the Nampally Court but did not grant a stay on the lower court proceedings.
