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The Supreme Court of India on Thursday took a firm stance against Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's comments regarding the bail granted to BRS leader K Kavitha in cases linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. Reddy's statements, hinting at a potential deal between the BJP and the BRS to secure bail for Kavitha, sparked strong disapproval from the apex court. The court expressed concern that such pronouncements could create unnecessary apprehensions among the public and questioned the appropriateness of such remarks from a constitutional functionary.
The court's reprimand stemmed from Reddy's public statements questioning the timing of Kavitha's bail in comparison to other figures involved in the case, namely Manish Sisodia and Arvind Kejriwal. Reddy's assertion of a potential 'deal' between the BRS and BJP to secure Kavitha's release drew particular ire from the judges, who emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear separation between political maneuvering and judicial proceedings. The court stressed that its decisions are based solely on legal principles and evidence presented before it, not on political considerations or negotiations.
The Supreme Court underscored the fundamental duty of mutual respect for institutions and a necessary distance between political actors and judicial processes. The judges emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the judiciary and avoiding the politicization of legal matters. They stated that while the court would not interfere in the workings of the legislature, a reciprocal respect is expected from political figures in return, particularly in their public statements concerning judicial proceedings.
The court's response to Reddy's remarks underscores the delicate balance between political discourse and judicial independence. The judges' strong pronouncements serve as a clear reminder that judicial decisions must be based on legal principles and evidence, not political calculations or speculation. Furthermore, the court's call for respect for institutions highlights the importance of maintaining public trust in both political and judicial processes, ensuring that the pursuit of justice remains free from undue influence.