The Andhra Pradesh (AP) government told the Supreme Court on Monday that the family of former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is threatening to take action against officers giving statements against him in connection with criminal cases filed against him [State of Andhra Pradesh vs Nara Chandra Babu Naidu].Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi made the submission on behalf of the Andhra Pradesh government today before a bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal.Rohatgi raised concern that these threats were being issued to officials in view of the upcoming State elections."Shocking conduct by the family of the accused. They are openly saying that after we come to power, we will take action against all officers who gave statements (against them). That they have maintained a book of all such ... Threatening statements just before polls."The Court today granted two weeks for Naidu to respond to theseallegations, adding that the State government can file a rejoinder to Naidu's reply within a week thereafter.The matter will be heard next on March 19.
The bench was hearing a plea moved by the State of Andhra Pradesh against the November 3 Andhra Pradesh High Court decision to grant Naidu bail in the skill development programme scam case.The Supreme Court had in November last year lifted a directive by the High Court to the former Chief Minister to not take part in public rallies and meetings as a bail condition.It had, however, clarified that the condition imposed by the High Court requiring the Telegu Desam Party (TDP) leader not to make public comments or speak to the media about the case, would remain.Senior Advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Ranjit Kumar appeared for the State of Andhra Pradesh before the top court.Senior Advocates Harish Salve and Sidharth Luthra appeared for Naidu
TAGS: Andhra Pradesh AP government Supreme Court N Chandrababu Naidu criminal cases State elections threats officers
