Telangana CM Revanth Reddy expresses regret for remarks on BRS leader K Kavitha’s bail: ‘Taken out of context’

A day after the Supreme Court warned him of contempt for remarks on Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha's bail, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed regret in a statement released on Friday.  

Revanth Reddy called himself “a firm believer of the judicial process” and said, "The remarks attributed to me in such reports have been taken out of context."

The Supreme Court granted MLC K Kavitha bail in both the corruption and money laundering cases related to the Delhi excise policy cases on August 27. She walked out of jail after spending 165 days in Tihar Jail late Tuesday evening.

What Revanth Reddy had said

Following her release, Revanth Reddy raised doubts over how Kavitha secured bail within five months when Manish Sisodia, a former deputy chief minister of Delhi, got it after remaining behind bars for 15 months, and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was yet to get the relief.

“It is a fact that BRS worked for the victory of the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. There is also talk that Kavitha got bail because of the deal between BRS and BJP,” he alleged.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court voiced strong displeasure over Reddy's comments and said it is a fundamental duty of political parties to show mutual respect for institutions, news agency PTI reported.

Revanth Reddy apologises: Here's what he said

In a post on X, Revanth Reddy said, "I have the highest regard and full faith in the Indian Judiciary. I understand that certain press reports dated 29th August, 2024 containing comments attributed to me have given the impression that I am questioning the judicial wisdom of the Hon’ble Court [sic]."

He reiterated, “I am a firm believer of the judicial process. I unconditionally express my regret for the statements reflected in the press reports [sic].”

He, however, said, “The remarks attributed to me in such reports have been taken out of context.”

"I have unconditional respect & highest regard for the Judiciary & its independence. As a firm believer in the Constitution of India and its ethos, I have and continue to hold the Judiciary in its highest esteem [sic]," Reddy said.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested K Kavitha from her Banjara Hills residence in Hyderabad on March 15, and the CBI arrested her from Tihar jail on April 11.

ED has accused her of being part of the 'South Group', a cartel of businessmen and politicians, which allegedly paid kickbacks of ₹100 crore to Delhi's ruling AAP in return for liquor licences. She has denied all allegations.