In a significant development, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has granted four weeks of interim bail to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader N. Chandrababu Naidu on medical grounds. Mr. Naidu, who has been in judicial custody at Rajahmundry Central Jail for his alleged involvement in a ₹371 crore skill development scam case, is expected to be released temporarily, but with certain restrictions.
Interim Bail on Medical Grounds
The court’s decision to grant interim bail came after advocates representing Mr. Naidu informed the court of his impending cataract surgery, a medical necessity. While the court has allowed his temporary release, it has imposed constraints on his media interactions and participation in campaign events.
As part of the bail conditions, Naidu is required to furnish a bail bond of ₹1 lakh along with two similar sureties. In its order, the court expressed a “humanitarian perspective,” acknowledging the petitioner’s health concerns as the primary reason for the temporary release.
Additionally, Mr. Naidu has been directed to provide details of his medical treatment and the hospital where the surgery will take place in a sealed cover to the Superintendent of the Central Prison upon his return to jail. The choice of the medical facility will remain at the discretion of the patient. The court has scheduled the hearing for the regular bail petition for November 10.
Political Turmoil and Son’s Appeal
Chandrababu Naidu’s arrest last month by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had ignited political turmoil in the state, leading to violent clashes between TDP supporters and the police. Party leaders accused Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy and his government of engaging in a “witch hunt” against their leader.
In response to his father’s imprisonment, Nara Lokesh, Chandrababu Naidu’s son, spoke to NDTV and exclaimed, “I should call for a civil war” to secure his father’s release and expose the alleged corruption within Andhra Pradesh’s ruling YSR Congress Party.
Last week, Mr. Naidu penned a letter to a special court, alleging security lapses in his prison conditions and requesting better arrangements commensurate with the Z-Plus category security cover assigned to him.
Telangana Election and TDP’s Stand
Meanwhile, the TDP has decided not to contest the upcoming election in Telangana scheduled for November 30. Although the party had some influence in the state, winning 15 seats in the 2014 election and two in 2018, those elected later switched allegiance to the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi. Supporters of Chandrababu Naidu in Telangana expressed discontent with the BRS’s silence on his arrest and their inability to hold a protest in his support in the Hitech City area.
Telangana is set to vote on November 30, with results to be declared on December 3. Additionally, Mr. Naidu finds himself entangled in another legal case, being named as Accused No. 3 in a second case related to the alleged illegal licensing of liquor companies by the previous government.
Chandrababu Naidu’s temporary release on medical grounds highlights the ongoing legal and political battles in Andhra Pradesh, creating a dynamic and uncertain atmosphere in the state’s political landscape.
Sources By Agencies
