The Andhra Pradesh High Court has granted bail to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu in the Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) case. This decision follows the court’s earlier grant of four-week interim bail to the former chief minister for medical treatment. Justice T. Mallikarjuna Rao, presiding over the case, stated that the conditions imposed on Naidu during the interim bail would remain applicable only until November 28. After this date, Naidu is permitted to attend political meetings and rallies.
Also read- Andhra Pradesh High Court Grants Interim Bail To Chandrababu Naidu On Medical Grounds (lawchakra.in)
However, Naidu is required to appear before the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) special court in Vijayawada on November 30 to submit reports regarding his medical treatment. Meanwhile, the State government has decided to challenge the High Court’s decision in the Supreme Court.
Additional Advocate General (AAG) Ponnolu Sudhakar Reddy criticized the High Court’s approach, stating,
“The order passed by the High Court is far in excess of the jurisdiction of bail parameters as repeatedly held by the Supreme Court.”
He accused the High Court of overstepping its jurisdiction by making observations about the material’s relevance and evidence-worthiness, and the gaps in the ongoing investigation.
The case against Naidu centers on allegations of diverting government funds intended for a skill development project into various shell companies through fraudulent invoices. Naidu was arrested on September 10 and remanded to judicial custody in this matter. The High Court had previously ruled that no prior approval from the competent authority was necessary for investigating the alleged offenses.
In its 39-page bail order, the Court explained that while a detailed examination of evidence should be avoided in bail considerations to prevent prejudging or prejudice, a brief examination is necessary to establish the existence of a prima facie case. The Court observed that no material was submitted to substantiate the contention that Naidu withdrew the alleged misappropriated amount in cash. It also noted the lack of prima facie evidence supporting the claim that money was deposited in the TDP’s bank account in line with the alleged misappropriation of APSSDC funds.
The Court further stated that it is unnecessary to provide lengthy reasons while granting bail, as these matters will be addressed by the trial judge. This development in the APSSDC case marks a significant turn for Naidu, allowing him to participate in political activities while the trial continues.
