Reddy’s plea for suspension of sentence was today listed before Justice K Lakshman.

A trial court on May 6 had awarded a sentence of seven years to Reddy, who is a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Gangawati constituency. The sentence meant he stood disqualified from the Karnataka assembly. However, with the stay on his conviction, he will be able to retain his seat.

His counsel today argued that if the conviction is not stayed, it will lead to irreversible consequences as the Election Commission will notify fresh polls for the constituency.