The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Thursday granted a two-month extension to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged irregularities in the evaluation of Group-1 examination answer sheets. However, the court made it clear that no further extensions would be allowed and directed the SIT to submit its final report within this period.
Background of the Case
A division bench comprising Justices Battu Devanand and A Hari Haranatha Sharma had constituted the SIT, headed by a Director General of Police-rank officer, to investigate allegations of irregularities in the evaluation process. This followed a batch of petitions challenging a single judge's order, which had confirmed irregularities, set aside the results, and directed the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) to conduct the examination afresh.
During the hearing, the High Court found several shortcomings in official records and prima facie noticed irregularities in the evaluation. It ordered a forensic examination of the answer sheets to uncover the facts.
Court's Displeasure and Summons
Public Prosecutor Menda Lakshminarayana submitted a status report on behalf of the SIT and requested an extension. Expressing displeasure that the report was not submitted in a sealed cover, the court summoned SIT chief Ravishankar Ayyannar and its members to appear before it by afternoon. They complied with the court's directions.
After interacting with the SIT team personally, the bench granted two months for submission of the final report. The matter has been posted for further hearing on June 29.
