Supreme Court Upholds High Court Order, Denies Bail in Major Liquor Scam
The Supreme Court of India, in a significant ruling on Monday, declined to interfere with the Andhra Pradesh High Court's order that rejected regular bail to Raj K Reddy. Reddy is identified as the primary accused in a high-profile liquor scam case that has sent shockwaves through the state's political and administrative circles.
Court Cites Prima Facie Evidence in Rs 750 Crore Deposits
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice N V Anjaria observed that there is prima facie evidence connecting the petitioner, Raj K Reddy, to deposits totaling Rs 750 crore in various shell companies. The bench emphasized that granting bail at this juncture could potentially hamper the ongoing investigation into the sprawling financial irregularities.
Raj K Reddy had approached the Supreme Court after his petition for regular bail was firmly rejected by the high court. Representing Reddy, senior counsel Nagamutthu argued before the bench that his client has been incarcerated for more than nine months. He pleaded for judicial consideration based on the prolonged detention period.
Bench Rejects Argument of Prolonged Detention
However, the Supreme Court bench was unmoved by this argument. The justices noted that the high court's order was well-reasoned, and there was no substantial ground for intervention. In a pointed observation, the bench stated that staying in remand for nine months in a case involving over Rs 750 crore is not an unduly long period. They clarified that they could not entertain the bail request under the current circumstances.
Despite the firm stance on bail, the bench showed some procedural leniency. As senior counsel Nagamutthu sought indulgence to submit all relevant documents for the court's perusal, the bench agreed to hear the matter further. Consequently, the case has been posted for the next hearing on Thursday, allowing for a comprehensive review of the submitted materials.
Background of the Accused and the Scam
Raj K Reddy, who previously served as an IT adviser to the government during the YSRCP regime, has been named as the main accused in this extensive liquor scam. The total estimated magnitude of the scam is a staggering Rs 3500 crore, highlighting the severe allegations of financial misconduct and corruption involved.
The Supreme Court's decision underscores the judiciary's cautious approach in cases involving substantial economic offenses. By refusing bail, the court aims to ensure that the investigation proceeds without obstruction, preserving the integrity of the legal process. This ruling is expected to have significant implications for the ongoing probe and future proceedings related to the liquor scam.
