The State government took a significant step on Tuesday by approaching the Supreme Court to challenge a High Court decision that granted regular bail to N Chandrababu Naidu, the leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), in the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) scam case. In its plea to the apex court, the State government argued that Naidu, being an influential figure, had allegedly facilitated the escape of two key associates, including a government servant, from the country, thereby obstructing the ongoing investigation. The Special Leave Petition (SLP) emphasized the need to set aside the High Court’s verdict, contending that granting bail to the accused at this stage would impede the progress of the inquiry.
The government’s submission highlighted that the investigation into the APSSDC case was still underway, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) also involved. The Additional Advocate General (AAG) pointed out that crucial evidence, such as note files objecting to fund releases and a forensic audit report revealing the diversion of Rs 240 crore, had been presented to the High Court. The AAG further criticized the High Court’s decision, asserting that it conducted a “mini-trial” contrary to established rules during the bail proceedings. Notably, the Supreme Court had earlier denied interim bail to Naidu on October 17 and had indicated that a final decision on his plea challenging the HC order would be pronounced after the Diwali vacation.
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