In a significant legal and political development, the long-pending liquor case filed against Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has been formally closed by the court. The closure on December 1, 2025, marks the end of a contentious legal battle that dominated the state's politics for years.
Case Origins and Political Clash
The case originated in October 2023 during the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government's tenure. The state's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) initiated a probe based on allegations of large-scale irregularities in the allotment of liquor licenses, manipulation of excise policy, and corruption linked to the state's liquor trade. Naidu, who was the opposition leader at the time, was accused of influencing policy decisions to allegedly favour certain groups within the liquor business. He was listed as accused number three (A3) in the case.
The allegations quickly transformed into a major political flashpoint, fueling intense rivalry between the YSRCP and Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP). While the YSRCP government maintained the investigation was necessary to uncover corruption, the TDP consistently labeled it as a politically motivated vendetta aimed at tarnishing Naidu's public image.
Investigation and Court's Final Ruling
Over the subsequent years, the CID conducted a thorough investigation. This process involved examining numerous documents, reviewing decisions taken during previous administrations, questioning witnesses, and analyzing changes in excise policy. After completing this extensive probe, the CID submitted its final report to the court.
The agency informed the court that the investigation was complete and stated it had found no conclusive evidence to support the allegations leveled against Chief Minister Naidu. With the CID clearly stating that further prosecution was unwarranted, the court moved to strike down the case, providing substantial legal relief to Naidu and formally clearing him of the long-standing accusations.
Political Reactions and Implications
The court's decision has triggered mixed reactions across Andhra Pradesh's political spectrum. Supporters of Chandrababu Naidu and the TDP-led coalition have hailed the verdict as a total vindication of his integrity. They see it as a confirmation that the case was built on vendetta politics rather than substantive proof.
On the other hand, sections of the opposition continue to express skepticism. Some leaders argue that irregularities occurred in the liquor trade under multiple administrations, suggesting the closure is a procedural rather than a moral clean chit. The ruling undoubtedly removes a major legal cloud over the current chief minister and reshapes the narrative ahead of future political contests in the state.
The closure of this case represents a pivotal turning point, concluding a chapter that was central to the political discourse and bitter rivalry between the two dominant parties of Andhra Pradesh.
