The Andhra Pradesh Police have approached the Supreme Court seeking the cancellation of former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s bail, alleging that Naidu and his son, Nara Lokesh, are intimidating government officials and police officers involved in the skill development scam investigation. Justice Bela M. Trivedi has scheduled the case for March 19, allowing Naidu’s side time to respond.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued the seriousness of the situation, urging for bail cancellation granted to Naidu in November 2023. The State’s application highlighted Lokesh’s interviews, indicating efforts to obstruct investigations. Despite a split verdict in January on quashing criminal proceedings against Naidu in the scam case, the controversy continues, with conflicting opinions on the necessity of prior sanction under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
While Justice Bose deemed prior approval necessary, Justice Trivedi disagreed, citing the non-retrospective application of Section 17A to Naidu’s case.