On Friday(17th May), The Supreme Court has stayed an Andhra Pradesh district court’s order that restricted YS Sharmila from commenting on the YSR Congress Party and its members regarding the killing of her uncle, Y S Vivekananda Reddy. The apex court viewed the injunction as a violation of the right to freedom of speech and expression.
Today, On 26th April, The Jharkhand High Court temporarily suspended Rahul Gandhi’s court appearance in a defamation case brought by a Chaibasa resident. This decision follows a non-bailable warrant issued against him in February. Gandhi’s legal team challenged the warrant, leading to the high court’s intervention. The case pause allows Gandhi to focus on campaigning for the upcoming Andhra Pradesh elections.
Today(on 24th April), Andhra Pradesh court granted 3-day custody to Vemula Satish Kumar, the prime suspect in the stone-pelting incident targeting Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. Kumar’s arrest on April 17 led to a voluntary confession implicating another in a conspiracy to harm the Chief Minister, intensifying the investigation. Vemula Durga Rao, previously considered a suspect, was released due to lack of evidence.
Today (5th April): The Supreme Court rejected a PIL seeking a cooling-off period for former government servants entering politics. Justices Kant and Mehta expressed reluctance to grant the relief during the hearing. The petitioner, Andhra Pradesh Congress leader GV Harsha Kumar, highlighted unethical practices in the electoral process. The court’s decision means existing rules remain unchanged.
CJI DY Chandrachud emphasised the importance of valid evaluation and free thinking in the legal profession, highlighting the role of legal education in serving society and fulfilling social responsibilities. Addressing students at Sri Venkateswara University’s Department of Law, he urged students to perceive the legal profession as a form of societal duty.
Today (6th March):The Supreme Court of India upheld Andhra Pradesh’s 1994 notification, affirming that ‘ghee’ falls under the category of livestock products. The court rejected the argument that ‘ghee’ is not a product of livestock, emphasizing that it derives from milk, a product of livestock. Market committees can impose fees on ‘ghee’ transactions as per the notification.
The AP government informed the Supreme Court that former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s family is threatening officials giving statements against him. Senior Advocate Rohatgi expressed concern over the threats, citing the impending State elections. Naidu has two weeks to respond, with the case set for further hearing on March 19. The State government challenged the bail granted to Naidu.
Kodi Kathi Srinu, the main accused in the assault on YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, has been granted bail by the Andhra Pradesh High Court after five years in prison. Conditions include restrictions on media disclosures and public event participation. The High Court’s decision follows seven previously denied bail applications, marking a significant development.
The Inner Ring Road scandal in Amaravati involved allegations of tampering with the city’s master plan and land allocation to benefit companies during N. Chandrababu Naidu’s tenure as chief minister. The Supreme Court of India rejected the Andhra Pradesh government’s appeal against Naidu’s anticipatory bail, underscoring the complexity of high-profile political and legal battles.
