Telangana High Court Stays Criminal Proceedings Against CM Revanth Reddy Over Election Speech
The Telangana High Court has stayed further proceedings in a criminal complaint filed against the State’s Chief Minister, A. Revanth Reddy, in connection with a speech delivered at a public gathering on May 4, 2024.
The speech, delivered at an event titled the “Jana Jatara Sabha,” had led to the registration of a complaint alleging defamation and violation of electoral conduct laws.
Justice K. Lakshman ordered, “There shall be stay of all further proceedings in C.C. No.312 of 2024 pending on the file of learned Special Judicial Magistrate of First Class for Excise Cases at Hyderabad, till 23.06.2025.”
Advocate T. Bala Mohan Reddy appeared for the Petitioner.
The Court passed the interim order while hearing a criminal petition filed by the Chief Minister under Section 482 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, seeking quashing of the case registered against him. The petition challenges proceedings pending in C.C. No. 312 of 2024 before the Special Judicial Magistrate of First Class for Excise Cases at Hyderabad.
The case against the Chief Minister involves alleged offences under Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code (defamation) and Section 125 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which pertains to promoting enmity between classes in connection with elections. The High Court has stayed all proceedings in the matter until June 23, 2025, the next date of hearing.
The Court found merit in the petitioner’s plea for interim protection. The Court ordered a stay on all further proceedings in the trial court matter until June 23, 2025, when the case will be taken up for further consideration.
Cause Title: A. Revanth Reddy v. The State of Telangana & Anr.
