Supreme Court Rejects Prajwal Revanna's Plea to Transfer Trial, Cites Lack of Evidence of Bias

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In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court denied former Janata Dal MP Prajwal Revanna's request to transfer his trial to a different court in Bengaluru. Revanna had sought the transfer, citing alleged bias by the presiding judge. However, the Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, rejected the plea, stating that observations made by the judge do not necessarily indicate bias. During the hearing, the court expressed concern that Revanna's counsel had made allegations against the judge, which was deemed 'unethical.' The Chief Justice emphasized that judges and courts make mistakes, but these are rectified, and that lawyers cannot hold them 'hostage' with allegations. The trial court had initially rejected Revanna's transfer plea on the grounds that the special MP/MLA court was designated to try offenses against elected representatives. The high court had also dismissed Revanna's petition, stating that there was no material evidence of judicial bias. Revanna's counsel argued that the judge had made adverse comments against the lawyers, which required expunction. However, the Supreme Court bench ruled that judges' observations should not be taken as evidence of bias and that Revanna's counsel can approach the high court to seek the expunction of the remarks. The Supreme Court's decision has significant implications for the Indian judicial system, highlighting the importance of maintaining the integrity of the courts and upholding the dignity of judges. The ruling also underscores the need for lawyers to approach allegations of bias with caution and respect for the judicial process.