In a major setback to YSR Congress, Supreme Court on Thursday asked the suspended MLA RK Raja to tender apology to the Assembly by writing a letter. The Apex Court felt that the whole issue had arisen out of inexperience of the member and her inability to understand the rules. The court also advised the Assembly to settle the matter amicably. However, the court defended the action by the speaker and stated the chair has power to suspend the member for a year.

The Supreme Court bench made these observation during a hearing of the petition Roja filed against her suspension from the Assembly for a year.

Senior advocate Indira Jaisingh, who appeared on her behalf, argued that the Assembly had no powers to suspend a member for a year and the provision which allows the suspension was amended later to justify the decision of the speaker. Emphasizing on the need for politicians to behave like statesmen, the Bench of Justices Arun Mishra and Gopala Gowda, observed that there was need to take the issue of suspension to its logical end as early as possible in the wider interest of public. “Both sides need to understand the problem. Sri Krishna tolerated Sishupala till he committed 100 mistakes,” the bench observed.

Another senior advocate PV Rao attended on behalf of Assembly. The court suggested that the Assembly to take her apology into consideration. The two senior counsels would decide upon the writing of a letter of apology to the Assembly with mutual consent.

Roja on the other hand argued that she had not been given an opportunity to speak on the floor of the House to explain her position. ” I have no intention to disrespect anybody,” she said.

Later talking to media Roja said she would give explanation to the house provided the charges leveled against her be justified.

The court later adjourned the hearing to tomorrow.