Supreme Court dismisses AP govt’s petition against N. Chandrababu Naidu

In a sensational turn of events, the Supreme Court dismissed the Andhra Pradesh government’s special leave petition (SLP) against Telugu Desam president N. Chandrababu Naidu. This case, involving anomalies in the alignment of the Amaravati Inner Ring Road, has seen a significant legal battle, with the recent ruling marking a crucial milestone.

During the hearing, Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta presided over the case. Justice Khanna’s pointed question about the applicability of Section 17-A of the Prevention of Corruption Act highlighted the complexities of the case. He queried whether the non-procurement of prior sanction would be an issue, considering the allegations pertained to the period post-2014.

The AP government’s counsel, Ranjit Kumar, emphasized charges under the IPC, including Section 420 dealing with cheating. In contrast, Naidu’s counsel, Sidharth Luthra, pointed out that the apex court had previously dismissed the government’s plea against anticipatory bail granted to a co-accused in the case. This led to Justice Khanna’s pivotal remark on following the order, given the identical allegations and facts.

The court’s final decision, referencing a November 2022 order regarding a co-accused, signified a major setback for the AP government.

The ruling stated that the investigation could continue uninfluenced by the AP High Court’s observations, but Naidu’s anticipatory bail remains intact. The court also clarified that non-cooperation from the respondents could lead to a reconsideration of the bail status.

The Supreme Court’s ruling is more than just a legal verdict; it’s a significant moment in Andhra Pradesh’s political narrative. It showcases the judiciary’s balanced approach in handling high-profile political cases. The decision to uphold the anticipatory bail, despite the serious allegations, indicates a nuanced understanding of legal and political complexities. This ruling could set a precedent for future cases involving political figures and corruption allegations.