Hours after pronouncing judgement in the sensational Mecca Masjid blast case acquitting five accused , the NIA special court judge Ravinder Reddy has resigned, it is learnt.
There was no official confirmation about Mr. Reddy’s resignation, who was also the Fourth Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge of Nampally Criminal Courts.
However, senior lawyers told The Hindu on condition of anonymity that they have information about the AMSJ’s resignation.
A senior advocate, however, said that Mr. Reddy had applied for leave for 15 days starting today (Tuesday).
Sources in the Nampally Bar Criminal Courts Association said the resignation letter was sent to the High Court Acting Chief Justice Ramesh Ranganathan. It is not yet clear if the resignation was accepted.
Speculation was rife about the possible reasons behind Mr. Reddy’s reported resignation as it coincided with pronouncement of the verdict in the blast case.
Sources in the bar association said the AMSJ had cited non-bifurcation of the Hyderabad High Court and allotment of judges to the two States as reasons for his resignation.
During the agitation for a separate Telangana State, lawyers and some judicial officers had joined the movement. Mr. Reddy was among 11 judicial officers suspended then. After formation of the State, he took out a procession from Abids to Raj Bhavan over bifurcation of the Hyderabad High Court and allotment of judges to the two Telugu States.
