Supreme Court Rebukes Telangana CM Over Remarks on BRS MLAs’ Defection

The Supreme Court strongly reprimanded Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday for his alleged statement in the Assembly that no by-elections would be held even if Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLAs switched to the Congress party.

The court stated that if such a remark was indeed made on the Floor of the House, it undermined the 10th Schedule of the Constitution, which deals with anti-defection laws.

Controversial Statement Sparks Legal Scrutiny

On March 27, while responding to concerns raised by opposition MLAs during discussions on the Demands for Grants for 2025-26, Reddy asserted that no by-elections would take place in the state.

His statement came amid a Supreme Court case seeking the disqualification of ten BRS MLAs who had defected to the Congress.

Supreme Court Takes a Firm Stand

A two-judge bench, comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih, strongly criticized Reddy’s remarks. Justice Gavai noted, “If this is said on the Floor of the House, Your Hon’ble CM is making a mockery of the 10th Schedule.”

The court emphasized that statements made in the Assembly hold significant weight, unlike casual remarks made in public rallies.

Statements in the Assembly Hold Legal Significance

The Supreme Court highlighted that declarations made by politicians within legislative assemblies carry sanctity.

The bench remarked, “When politicians say something in the Assembly, it has some sanctity. In fact, judgments say that when we interpret laws, the statement of the Hon’ble Minister who has given a speech on the Floor of the House can be used for interpreting that statute.” These observations underscored the gravity of Reddy’s remarks.

Petition Filed Against Defected MLAs

The court’s remarks came while hearing a plea filed by BRS leaders K.T. Rama Rao and Padi Kaushik Reddy. The petition urged the Telangana Assembly Speaker to take timely action on the disqualification proceedings against the defected MLAs.

Reddy’s Previous Statements Also Recalled

The bench also reminded Reddy of a prior controversial remark. In August last year, he had questioned how BRS leader K. Kavitha secured bail in five months while Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had to wait 15 months, and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had yet to receive bail.

The court took note of this pattern of contentious statements by the Chief Minister.

Supreme Court Seeks Clarification from Assembly Speaker

During the hearing, Senior Advocate Aryama Sundaram, representing the petitioners, informed the court about Reddy’s comments. Although Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who appeared on behalf of the Telangana Assembly Speaker, was present, he did not respond to the statement.

The court sought clarification from Rohatgi, reminding him that he had previously represented Reddy in another case regarding his remarks on Kavitha and Sisodia’s bail.

Court Issues a Warning to Reddy

The bench firmly stated, “We want Rohatgi to convey the message to the CM that there shall be no ‘repeat action’.” The court underscored that although it might be slow in issuing contempt notices, it remained “not powerless.”

This warning was a clear indication that any future remarks of a similar nature could invite serious legal consequences.

Legal Implications of Reddy’s Remarks

The Supreme Court reiterated that the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which aims to prevent political defections, must be upheld.

The bench stressed that the state government could not override constitutional provisions by making arbitrary declarations in the Assembly.

Reddy’s statement suggested an intention to sidestep the legal requirement of bypolls in cases of MLA defections, an assertion that directly contradicts constitutional law.

Political and Legal Fallout

The controversy surrounding Reddy’s statement has intensified political debates in Telangana. The opposition parties have strongly opposed his remarks, arguing that they undermine democratic processes.

Additionally, legal experts have pointed out that such statements, if unchecked, could set a dangerous precedent, potentially allowing ruling parties to manipulate election procedures.

Court’s Strong Stand on Constitutionality

The Supreme Court’s sharp reprimand of Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy highlights the importance of adhering to constitutional provisions.

Statements made in legislative assemblies carry significant weight, and leaders must exercise caution while addressing sensitive issues like anti-defection laws.

The case is likely to remain in legal and political discourse as the Telangana Assembly Speaker takes further steps regarding the disqualification proceedings.