The Supreme Court of India has firmly dismissed a plea filed by the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Telangana unit against Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, regarding a defamation case stemming from a speech during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai, Justice K. Vinod Chandran, and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar made it clear that the court was "not inclined to interfere" in the matter. The court also cautioned against using the judicial system as a platform for political battles.

The case originated from a complaint filed by the BJP's Telangana unit, which alleged that Revanth Reddy had made defamatory and provocative statements against the party during a political rally. The BJP claimed that Reddy had colluded with the Telangana Congress to create a false narrative that the BJP would end reservations for government jobs and education if they secured a significant victory in the general election. The party argued that this speech damaged the BJP's reputation.

In August 2024, a trial court initially found merit in the complaint and issued a notice to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. The trial court determined that a prima facie case was established against Reddy for defamation under the erstwhile Indian Penal Code and Section 125 of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, which addresses promoting enmity between classes in connection with elections.

Reddy then challenged the trial court's order in the Telangana High Court, arguing that his political speech should not be grounds for a defamation case. On August 1, 2025, the Telangana High Court quashed the defamation proceedings. Justice K. Lakshman of the High Court stated that Reddy's speech alluded to the BJP at the national level and did not specifically target the Telangana unit. The High Court also pointed out that the complaint was filed by the BJP state general secretary in his independent capacity, without proper authorization from the national leadership, rendering it not maintainable. Furthermore, the High Court noted that political speeches often contain exaggerations, and considering them as defamatory would be excessive.

The BJP's Telangana unit then appealed the High Court's decision to the Supreme Court, which was subsequently dismissed. During the Supreme Court hearing, CJI B.R. Gavai emphasized that courts should not be used as platforms for political battles. The bench stated that politicians should possess a "thick skin" and be able to tolerate criticism. Senior advocate A.M. Singhvi, representing Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, argued that legitimate political discourse would be stifled if such statements were considered defamation.

This decision reinforces the principle that political discourse, even if sharp or critical, should not be readily subject to criminal defamation cases. The Supreme Court's stance underscores the importance of protecting free speech and preventing the misuse of legal processes for political gain.