The Supreme Court on Monday sought response from Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on a petition seeking the transfer of trial against him and others in the 2015 cash-for-vote scam outside the state.
The Bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice K V Vishwanathan directed the Congress leader and others to respond to the notice within two weeks.
It said the Court expected somebody holding such a high office (Reddy) to exercise some restraint while making public statements. People at the highest constitutional post must remain careful, added the Bench.
The Apex Court made the observations after Senior Advocate C A Sundaram, appearing for the petitioners, referred to some of the remarks made by Reddy.
The Bench asked Senior Advocate Sidharth Luthra, appearing for Reddy, as to why the courts and lawyers had been dragged by him in his statements.
Seeking transfer of the trial outside the state, Senior Advocate Sundaram today contended that Reddy was the Home Minister and in charge of ACB, which had to report to him. He was in charge of the prosecution and the eye-witnesses were yet to be examined.
The Apex Court noted that it was sensitive to these issues and listed the matter for further hearing after two weeks.
On the last date of hearing, the Apex Court came down heavily on Reddy for his statement on bail granted to BRS leader K Kavitha in the liquor policy scam case.
On August 30, Reddy expressed unconditional regret for the statements related to bail granted to BRS leader K Kavitha.
The anti-corruption bureau (ACB) had arrested Reddy, then with the Telugu Desam Party, on May 31, 2015, for allegedly paying Rs 50 lakh bribe to Elvis Stephenson, a nominated MLA, for supporting TDP nominee Vem Narendar Reddy in the legislative council elections.
ACB had also arrested some other persons, who were later granted bail.
This instant petition was filed in the Apex Court by Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLA Guntakandla Jagadish Reddy and three others seeking the shifting of the trial.
The petitioners contended that the Telangana CM, who also held the Home Ministry portfolio, had been publicly making statements on the case.