SC Issues Notice to TD Chief on Bail

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to former Andhra Pradesh chief minister and Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu on a plea filed by the state government challenging the bail granted to him by the AP High Court in the Skill Development Corporation “scam”.

A bench comprising Justices Bela M. Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma issued notice to the TD chief and said Naidu cannot speak in public about sub-judice matters including his case as per the bail conditions. However, the apex court allowed him to participate in public rallies and meetings and posted the matter for further hearing on December 8.

In its plea, the state government contended that “the High Court has delved deep into facts and has rendered findings that are not only factually incorrect but are also likely to prejudice the court below during the trial”.

“Further, a bare perusal of the same would reveal that the High Court has not only conducted a mini-trial but has also completely erred rendering findings which are completely contrary to the record," the plea highlighted, seeking the setting aside of the High Court order.

The plea also mentioned the “role” of Naidu in the “scam” and contended that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation is presently going on to trace the money trail.

The state government also stated that since the former chief minister is an influential person, he is a flight risk and can flee to another country like two of his other associates.

The case against Naidu relates to the alleged misappropriation of funds from the Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC), leading to a loss of over Rs 300 crore to the state exchequer.