In a big legal setback, Vallabhaneni Vamsi has landed himself in new trouble as the Supreme Court canceled the anticipatory bail previously extended to him by the High Court in a case of illegal mining.
The High Court had earlier granted anticipatory bail to Vamsi without providing any opportunity to the state government to place its case before it. The Andhra Pradesh government challenged this action in the Supreme Court, which condemned the lower court’s order and highlighted the requirement of observing due legal process.
Acting on the petition, the Supreme Court earlier directed the state government to file all information pertaining to the illegal mining case in a sealed envelope. Having scrutinized the information that was submitted, the bench held that approving bail without listening to the government was not apt and set aside the High Court’s order.
The apex court has now instructed the High Court to re-examine the case, listen to both parties, and issue a fresh ruling based solely on the merits of the case. However, it clarified that the matter concerning PT warrants or deeper criminal elements will not be addressed at this point. The state government requested one week to file a counter, and the Supreme Court directed the High Court to conclude the hearing and deliver a verdict within four weeks thereafter.
With the anticipatory bail now cancelled, Vamsi is again at risk of arrest. Although PT warrants had been issued earlier, they couldn’t be enforced due to the previous bail order. Now, with that protection removed, the police may proceed with action, though they are expected to wait until the High Court delivers its final verdict.
