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Telangana High Court stays the conviction of Karnataka MLA Janardhan Reddy in an illegal mining case, granting him temporary legal relief
In a significant legal development, the Telangana High Court has temporarily stayed the conviction of Karnataka MLA and mining baron Gali Janardhan Reddy in the Obulapuram illegal mining case. This decision provides a temporary reprieve for Reddy, who had been sentenced to seven years in prison by a special CBI court earlier this year.
The Obulapuram illegal mining case pertains to allegations of large-scale illegal mining activities conducted by Reddy and his associates in the Bellary region, spanning both Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated the probe following a recommendation from the then Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah. The investigation revealed that Reddy, along with his brother-in-law B.V. Srinivas Reddy, Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) Managing Director, and other officials, were involved in unauthorized mining operations, leading to significant revenue loss for the government.
In May 2025, after a protracted 13-year trial, the CBI court convicted Reddy and three others, sentencing them to seven years of imprisonment and imposing a fine of ₹10,000 each. Following the conviction, Reddy was disqualified from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, and the Election Commission began preparations for a by-election in his constituency. This disqualification stemmed from the Representation of the People Act, which mandates the disqualification of elected representatives upon conviction in criminal cases.
Subsequent to the conviction, Reddy and his co-convicts filed appeals in the Telangana High Court, seeking bail and a stay on the conviction. Their legal counsel argued that the conviction was premature and that the disqualification from the legislative assembly was unjust, especially considering the ongoing appeals. The High Court, after hearing the arguments, issued a stay on the conviction, thereby reinstating Reddy’s position as an MLA temporarily.
The stay order by the Telangana High Court has significant political and legal implications.
Politically, it allows Reddy to continue his legislative duties and participate in the affairs of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. Legally, the stay provides Reddy and his associates an opportunity to present their case in higher courts, potentially overturning the initial conviction.
The stay has elicited varied reactions from different quarters. Supporters of Reddy view the decision as a vindication, asserting that the legal process should be allowed to unfold without premature punitive actions. Critics, however, argue that the stay undermines the seriousness of the charges and the need for accountability in cases of corruption and illegal activities.
The Telangana High Court’s decision to stay the conviction of Gali Janardhan Reddy in the Obulapuram illegal mining case marks a pivotal moment in the prolonged legal battle. As the case progresses through the appellate courts, it will continue to be a focal point of public and political discourse, reflecting the complexities of legal proceedings involving high-profile individuals.
The Obulapuram illegal mining case is one of the most notorious mining scandals in South India, revolving around allegations of large-scale unauthorized extraction of iron ore and other minerals in the Bellary region, which straddles parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana). The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the probe following reports of extensive illegal mining operations that resulted in significant losses to the exchequer.
Gali Janardhan Reddy, a powerful figure in Karnataka politics and former minister, along with his brother-in-law B.V. Srinivas Reddy and others associated with the Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC), was accused of orchestrating mining activities without the required permissions and in violation of environmental laws. The case, which spanned over a decade, exposed the nexus between politicians, bureaucrats, and mining mafias.
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