Andhra Pradesh govt files plea in SC against bail to Chandrababu Naidu

On November 20, the Andhra Pradesh High Court had granted bail to Naidu while noting that discretion to grant bail should be exercised judiciously in a humane and compassionate manner.

New Delhi: The Andhra Pradesh government on Tuesday filed a petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court's order allowing bail to former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu in connection with the scam related to setting up of skill development centres.

The High Court's November 20, 2023 order was perverse for exceeding the jurisdiction in connection with the bail, it claimed.

"The High Court has delved deep into facts of the case and has rendered findings that are not only factually incorrect but are also likely to prejudice the court below during the trial," the plea mentioned.

Over the course of the investigation, the prosecution has obtained various account statements of Naidu's TDP party, which showed significant cash deposits that correspond to the time period where the misappropriated funds from the project were diverted, the state government claimed.

The respondent and other accused persons and witnesses were being examined to establish the nexus, it contended.

The state government claimed the Income Tax Department also issued a notice on August 4, 2023 to Naidu, categorically noting that he ensured that payment was made to shell companies by the main contractors executing works for the government, which would later be transferred in cash.

"Various external agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate are conducting their independent investigations into the subject crime. The ED has instituted a complaint, and is taking steps to trace the money trail in the present scam," the plea claimed.

The state government said the High Court has "completely erred in granting bail to Naidu, as being an influential person, he has ensured that two of his key associates, including a government servant, have already fled the country and therefore clearly obstructed the conduct of investigation".

Naidu was arrested on September 8 following the FIR lodged on December 9, 2021, relating to alleged Rs 371 Cr scam in setting up skill development centres.