The Supreme Court of India has deferred the hearing of an appeal by the Andhra Pradesh government, which challenges the bail granted to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in the skill development corporation scam case. The hearing is now scheduled for the second week of January 2025.
During the session on Friday, the bench composed of Justices Bela M. Trivedi and S.C. Sharma granted the adjournment following a request from senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who represents the state government. Expressing reluctance to prolong the case indefinitely, the bench remarked, “There is no point in adjourning the matter from time to time. By way of a last opportunity, list in the second week of January.”
The state’s appeal contends that Naidu, described as an “influential person,” purportedly influenced the escape of two key associates, including a government servant, thereby obstructing the investigation. The government’s plea emphatically stated that such actions by the accused warrant a revocation of bail, arguing, “The accused is therefore clearly obstructing the conduct of the investigation and, therefore, ought not to be granted bail.”
The Andhra Pradesh High Court had previously granted bail to Naidu on November 20, 2023, citing the need for a judicious, humane, and compassionate approach in exercising discretion on bail matters. However, the state government criticized the High Court’s 39-page verdict for conducting what it termed a “mini trial” and for reaching conclusions that it claims are contrary to the record.
Further detailing its objections, the state’s petition, filed through advocate Mahfooz Ahsan Nazki, argued that the High Court had delved excessively into the case’s facts during a bail determination, potentially prejudicing the upcoming trial. The petition highlighted that such “detailed elaboration” of evidence in bail orders had been repeatedly deprecated by the Supreme Court.
In its ruling, the High Court had converted Naidu’s four-week interim medical bail into absolute bail, citing his age, health conditions, and assessed non-flight risk among other factors. It also specified that while Naidu’s interim bail conditions—prohibiting public comments on the case and participation in public rallies—would remain in effect until November 28, they would be relaxed thereafter.
Moreover, the High Court had directed Naidu to submit his medical reports to a special court in Vijayawada by November 28, instead of the superintendent of Rajamahendravaram Central Prison, where he was previously held. Despite Naidu’s assertions, the High Court remained unconvinced that the case against him was politically motivated.
