The Supreme Court Today (Nov 29) adjourned till January, 2025, the hearing on an appeal filed by the Andhra Pradesh government against the order of bail to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in the skill development corporation scam case. A bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi an S C Sharma deferred the matter after senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the state government, sought the adjournment.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court, on Friday, postponed the hearing on an appeal filed by the Andhra Pradesh government challenging the bail granted to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in the skill development corporation scam case. The matter has now been deferred until January 2025.
A bench comprising Justices Bela M Trivedi and S C Sharma made the decision to adjourn after senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Andhra Pradesh government, requested the postponement. The bench remarked,
“There is no point in adjourning the matter from time to time. By way of a last opportunity, list in the second week of January.”
State Government’s Objections to Bail
The Andhra Pradesh government, in its plea, described Naidu as an “influential person“ who allegedly facilitated the escape of two key associates, including a government official, from the country. The government argued,
“The accused is therefore clearly obstructing the conduct of the investigation and, therefore, ought not to be granted bail.”
The state had moved the apex court following the Andhra Pradesh High Court’s decision on November 20, 2023, granting Naidu bail. The High Court emphasized that bail decisions should be made in a “humane and compassionate“ manner.
High Court’s Verdict Under Scrutiny
The state government criticized the High Court’s 39-page judgment, alleging that it conducted a “mini trial” and rendered findings contrary to the evidence on record. The appeal, filed through advocate Mahfooz Ahsan Nazki, stated,
“The state of Andhra Pradesh is constrained to file the present special leave petition against the impugned judgment dated November 20, 2023, passed by the High Court of Andhra Pradesh at Amaravati.”
The plea further contended that the High Court delved too deeply into the facts of the case during a bail hearing, rendering findings that were “factually incorrect“ and could potentially influence the trial court. It added,
“The High Court, in a bail matter, has delved deep into facts of the case and has rendered findings that are not only factually incorrect but are also likely to prejudice the court below during the trial.”
Supreme Court’s Stand on Evidence in Bail Matters
The state government referred to past Supreme Court verdicts that have discouraged the practice of extensive discussions on evidence in bail orders. The plea stated,
“A bare perusal of the findings would reveal that the High Court has exceeded its jurisdiction by conducting a mini trial and rendering findings on merits. This, it is most respectfully submitted, ought not to be allowed.”
Bail Granted on Humanitarian Grounds
The High Court converted Naidu’s four-week interim medical bail into an absolute bail, citing factors such as his age, medical conditions, low flight risk, and other humanitarian considerations.
However, the interim bail conditions, which barred him from making public comments on the case or organizing public rallies and meetings, were extended until November 28.
These restrictions were lifted starting November 29.
Additionally, Naidu was directed to submit his medical reports to a special court in Vijayawada by November 28, instead of the superintendent of Rajamahendravaram Central Prison.
The High Court rejected Naidu’s claim that the case was politically motivated and aimed at revenge by the current state government.
Case Background
Chandrababu Naidu was arrested on September 9, 2023, in connection with allegations of embezzling funds from the skill development corporation. The alleged misappropriation reportedly caused a loss of over Rs 300 crore to the state exchequer. He was granted interim medical bail on October 31.
This high-profile case continues to attract attention as it raises questions about the interplay between politics and the judicial process in Andhra Pradesh.
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on CM Chandrababu Naidu
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