In a shocking move, the Supreme Court declined the interim bail application for the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N Chandrababu Naidu. This pertains to the explosive Skill Development Corporation scam case where the former TDP leader is at the center of it all. It’s been revealed that the Supreme Court will announce its final verdict regarding Naidu’s plea that challenges the high court’s decision to not annul the FIR against him.

Advocates Battle it Out Over Naidu’s Bail

The fiery courtroom witnessed senior advocate Harish Salve passionately arguing for interim bail for the 73-year-old Naidu. He pointed out the 40 days Naidu has already endured in custody. “Your Lordships might want to consider releasing him,” he entreated, emphasizing that Naidu can always be re-incarcerated should the ruling not favor him. “In the 2015-16 inquiry, nothing conclusive was found, yet here we are in 2021, with authorities seemingly clutching at straws,” he exclaimed. Sidharth Luthra, another senior advocate on Naidu’s team, joined the call for interim bail. On the opposing side, the seasoned advocate Ranjit Kumar, representing the Andhra Pradesh government, firmly rebutted Salve and Luthra’s pleas.

Twist of the Prevention of Corruption Act

At the heart of this epic courtroom battle is Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act. This section mandates that prior approval must be sought from a competent authority when investigating any public servant under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Naidu fervently argues that the FIR against him was launched without this necessary prior approval, making his subsequent arrest unwarranted. The court has yet to deliver its final say on the matter.

Naidu’s Scandalous Accusations Continue

Adding more fuel to the fire, the Supreme Court has slated a hearing for Chandrababu Naidu’s separate anticipatory bail plea regarding the FiberNet case for this Friday. This case deals with the alleged tampering of tenders in awarding a ₹330 crore work order. The CID accuses Chandrababu Naidu of severe irregularities, resulting in massive financial losses for the state. Arrested on September 9, the former Chief Minister allegedly drained ₹371 crore from the Skill Development Corporation during his tenure in 2015, now locked behind bars in the Rajamahendravaram central prison.

  Andhra Pradesh, Harish Salve, N Chandrababu Naidu, Skill Development Corporation Scam, Supreme Court, TDP