BRS Working President and former minister K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) has been granted limited relief by the High Court in connection with the ongoing Formula E race case. KTR had approached the court with a lunch motion petition, seeking permission for his lawyer to be present during the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) interrogation. After hearing the petition, the court provided specific directives on the matter.
The High Court ruled that while KTR’s lawyer could be present at the ACB office during the interrogation, they would not be allowed to sit alongside him. Instead, the court directed KTR’s legal team to propose three names of lawyers. From these, one lawyer would be permitted to observe the interrogation from a separate room, ensuring transparency while adhering to procedural rules.
During the proceedings, the High Court raised important questions to the ACB officials. The court sought clarity on whether existing ACB regulations allow lawyers to monitor interrogation processes and whether their facilities can accommodate such arrangements. The bench further asked, “Is there any possibility of third-degree methods being used on KTR? If not, what is the necessity for a lawyer to be directly present? Would allowing the lawyer to monitor the proceedings from a separate room address the issue effectively?”
The court emphasized its commitment to fairness by allowing one lawyer to visually oversee the interrogation from a designated space but maintained that lawyers would not be permitted to participate directly in the questioning process.
The High Court also reiterated its earlier directive to ensure that the entire interrogation process is recorded on audio and video, reinforcing transparency. This decision reflects a balanced approach by addressing concerns raised by both KTR’s legal counsel and the ACB.
