Hours After SC Blow Over Rajya Sabha Bid, Relief For Meenakshi Natarajan In The Case That Cost Her

Meenakshi Natarajan Finds Relief Amid Legal Turmoil

In a significant development for Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan, the legal proceedings against her have taken a turn. Advocate Ravi Shankar Jandhyala, representing Natarajan, argued that the court does not hold jurisdiction over the case, as the respondents include current Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) and sitting Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). The court agreed with this perspective and decided to dismiss the petition.

Special courts were set up throughout India to expedite trials involving current and former MPs and MLAs, a move initiated by the Supreme Court to address the growing concern over political criminality. This particular case originated from a private complaint lodged by Srilatha in September 2025 at the Nampally IV Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Hyderabad.

Srilatha's complaint, which has been reviewed by ThePrint, accuses Natarajan of providing political support to Kumbham Shivakumar Reddy, who is facing serious allegations, including sexual misconduct and threats. She contended that despite multiple complaints, Congress officials in Telangana, including Natarajan, failed to take action against Reddy, who retains his party membership.

Notably, Srilatha's complaint names seven Congress leaders, placing Natarajan as Respondent #4. Among the others are Mahesh Kumar Goud, the Pradesh Congress Chief, and Minister Vakati Srihari, both of whom have significant roles in the party. The lack of transparency regarding this case ultimately cost Natarajan her bid for a Rajya Sabha seat from Madhya Pradesh, as the election officer invalidated her affidavit due to the omission of the case details.