The Supreme Court has postponed the Andhra Pradesh government’s appeal regarding CM Naidu’s bail in the skill development scam until January 2025.
The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing on the Andhra Pradesh government’s appeal regarding the bail granted to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in the skill development corporation scam case until January 2025. A panel consisting of Justice Bela M Trivedi and Justice S C Sharma decided to delay the case after Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the state, requested the postponement. The bench remarked that there is no benefit in repeatedly delaying the matter and suggested a final opportunity to be scheduled for the second week of January. The state government, aiming to revoke the bail, described Naidu as an “influential person” and claimed he helped two of his associates, including a government employee, escape the country.
The plea argued that the accused is clearly hindering the investigation and should not be granted bail. On November 20, 2023, the Andhra Pradesh High Court had granted bail to Naidu, emphasizing that the decision to grant bail should be made carefully and compassionately. In its appeal, the state government contended that the High Court’s 39-page ruling not only conducted a “mini trial” but also made findings that were completely inconsistent with the evidence. The appeal, submitted by Advocate Mahfooz Ahsan Nazki, stated that the state of Andhra Pradesh felt compelled to file this special leave petition against the High Court’s judgment from November 20, 2023.
The request stated, “The high court, in a bail case, has examined the details of the situation and made findings that are not only incorrect but may also influence the lower court during the trial.” Citing several supreme court rulings, the state government noted that the practice of providing a “detailed explanation” of evidence in bail decisions has been criticized by the highest court. “A simple review of the findings shows that the high court has overstepped its authority by conducting a mini trial and making decisions on the merits. This should not be permitted,” it stated. The High Court changed Naidu’s four-week temporary medical bail into full bail, allowing his release due to his age, health issues, and low flight risk.
It mentioned that the conditions of his temporary bail, which prevent him from making public comments about the skill development corporation case or from organizing or taking part in public events, will remain in effect until November 28 and will be eased starting November 29. The High Court also instructed Naidu to submit his medical reports to a special court in Vijayawada by November 28 instead of giving them to the superintendent of Rajamahendravaram Central Prison. However, the High Court did not accept Naidu’s argument that the case was politically motivated as revenge by the current government. He was arrested on September 9 and granted interim medical bail on October 31 after being accused of misusing funds from the skill development corporation, leading to an alleged loss of over Rs 300 crore to the state.
