The Supreme Court today has declined to entertain the bail plea of K. Rajasekhar Reddy, an accused in the alleged ₹3,200-crore Andhra Pradesh liquor scam. Hearing the matter, the Bench of Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant andJustice Joymalya Bagchi questioned how such large-scale corruption could occur without collusion between officials and political actors.

“How can such corruption happen without criminal nexus of bureaucrats and the political leaders? This is not a small offence at all. We will not grant any bail. No notice also,” the Court observed.

The Bench further remarked on what it described as a perceived pattern of privilege when allegations involve public servants.

“When the question of bureaucrats come irrespective of their post, it seems they enjoy some privilege.”

In view of the Court’s clear disinclination to grant relief, the counsel appearing for the petitioner sought permission to withdraw the bail plea, stating that an outright dismissal by the Supreme Court could prejudice future remedies. The Court permitted the withdrawal of the petition and granted liberty to approach the appropriate forum at the appropriate stage.

Appearances

Petitioner- Senior Advocate Ranjit Kumar, Mr. S. Nagamuthu, Sr. Adv. Mr. Sriharsha Peechara, Adv. Mr. Yashaswi Sk Chocksey, Adv. Mr. Sumit Kumar, Adv. Mr. Krishna Kumar Singh, AOR

Respondent- Mr. Sidharth Luthra, Sr. Adv. Mr. Siddharth Aggarwal, Sr. Adv. Mr. Guntur Pramod Kumar, Adv. Mr. Prerna Singh, Adv. Ms. Rajni Gupta, Adv. Mr. Vishwajeet Singh, Adv. Mr. Karl P. Rustomkhan, Adv.