Andhra Pradesh High Court heard the arguments in Chandrababu Naidu’s Quash Petition at length today. Senior Supreme Court Advocates – Harish Salves and Siddharth Luthra along with Babu’s personal lawyers argued on his behalf while Supreme Court Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, AAG Ponnavolu Sudhakar Reddy, and his team argued for the CID.
Justice K Sreenivas Reddy’s Bench heard the matter for around five hours.
The counsels for the CID appeared to be arguing on weak grounds. They looked like they were trying to build a case only on assumptions and imaginations. They were making allegations of shell companies, lapses in procedures, misappropriation of funds, etc. but could not establish anything connecting them to the Former Chief Minister.
At one point, the judge even asked how they the petitioner (CBN) is connected to the selection of sub-contractors (shell companies the CID is alleging).
Some points raised by the CID like asking the court not to go into merits, seeking more time to file counter, contradicting statements about the investigation progress, etc. sounded too feeble to corner Chandrababu Naidu.
On the other side, Senior Advocate Harish Salve effectively countered each and every allegation and was fierce throughout the session. He argued how it is a clear case of ‘Regime Revenge’ since 2024 General Elections are very near.
At one stage, the bench even said, “It was a pleasure hearing you argue sir”.
Finally, after hearing both sides, the judge reserved the judgment after two days.
It appears that the lawyers representing Chandrababu Naidu had a better day today. But then, it will be completely the discretion of the judge to decide.
TDP supporters are hopeful to get a favorable verdict when the court sits after two days.
