Ex-HC judge probing power purchases in KCR tenure steps down after Supreme Court snub

The bench, also comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, was hearing a plea by Rao challenging the notification issued in March 2024, constituting the Commission.

To a query as to who would replace Justice Reddy, Senior Advocate A M Singhvi appearing for the state government said that another notification will be issued substituting the one appointing Reddy with another judge.

Hearing Rao’s plea, the bench took exception to the press conference held on June 11 and the press note issued in this connection.Appearing for the ex-CM, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi asked “Why did he hold a press conference? What was the necessity?”Singhvi sought to defend the Commission and said the judge was only summarising what he had received in the form of replies. The bench, however, did not agree.

“He has gone beyond summary. He has expressed an opinion. There are observations in that press note which seem to indicate that he has expressed an opinion on merits.”, said the CJI adding, “assuming that he has got replies, at this stage he can’t hold a press conference and say” what he did.

Singhvi said the appellant is asking the court to stop the inquiry now when the fact is it has only started. “Your Lordships is being asked to stop it now. Report has not come yet. Report will come after 3 months. It has just started now. All his remedies are open.He cannot have civil consequences…It’s a fact finding for the state. It has no consequences for Rohatgi’s client”.

Rohatgi said, “The eagerness of the state government shows what the real objective is very clearly”.The court told Singhvi that it was not with Rao on the other contentions raised by him.

“But on the press conference, we are giving you an opportunity, you replace the judge and appoint someone else. Because there has to be an impression that justice must be seen to be done. He has expressed his view on merits”, said the CJI.

The state also agreed saying if the court is not convinced, it is open to appointing someone else in place of Justice Reddy but added that it should not be seen as a concession.