In a major political setback to the Leader of Opposition in Andhra Pradesh Assembly, Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy, the Principal Special Court for CBI Cases dismissed a petition seeking exemption from his personal appearance before it.
Mr. Jagan has already chalked out a schedule to take up padayatra in Andhra Pradesh from November 2, 2017 to May 2, 2018.
Mr. Jagan, who even postponed the YSR Congress legislature party meeting, went into a huddle with senior leaders of the party immediately after the court dismissed his petition. He was understood to have discussed the future course of action.
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After finalising the schedule of his padayatra, Mr. Reddy filed a petition in the special court earlier this month seeking exemption from his personal appearance stating that as the Leader of Opposition he was embarking upon a padayatra across the State to learn people’s problems.
He moved the special court based on the High Court suggestion after it dismissed his petition filed under Section 205 of CrPC seeking blanket exemption from personal appearance in the trial court in view of his padayatra.
The court heard the arguments on behalf of both the petitioner and prosecution – Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate.
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The counsel for the petitioner urged the court to grant exemption stating that the trial in the cases was yet to begin on regular basis and only discharge petitions were being dealt for now.
However, the counsel for both CBI and ED argued separately that personal exemption to the prime accused could not be granted in cases dealing with serious offences.
The CBI has filed 11 chargesheets and ED four in the quid pro quo investments and money laundering cases, respectively.
The counsel for prosecution also submitted to the special court that the High Court had already dismissed such a plea and that law won’t accept exemption sought on political reasons.