In a significant development, the Supreme Court has dismissed a petition filed by Raghurama Krishnam Raju, a prominent critic of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. He had sought transfer of the disproportionate assets case currently pending against Jagan to another state, on the grounds of prolonged delays in the investigation and apprehension that the CBI might be ‘hand in glove’ with Jagan.
Minimal progress has been made in the case that has been under investigation for more than a decade. The issues of incomplete charge sheets and pending discharge petitions have caused great delays. According to Raju’s legal team, five judges handling his case were shifted just when important decisions were to be pronounced in their respective judgements, giving an impression that the investigation had gained so much momentum that it was even disturbing the High Court, Telangana.
The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, rejected the plea by stating that the trial should proceed under the existing jurisdiction of Telangana High Court. The bench highlighted that the due process of law should be maintained in the ongoing investigation process.
The lawyers of Raghurama Krishnam Raju sought some more time to consult with their client and take a further decision. The CBI apprised the court that its Additional Solicitor General, who is in Mumbai at present, would be available for the arguments during the next hearing. Therefore, the Supreme Court adjourned the matter for next Monday.
This ruling has again made the case public, and speculation of what Raju might do is increasing. Even the slow tempo of the investigations continues to irk many with anticipation of other developments in the high-profile case.
