HC allows CBI to examine Avinash Reddy in Viveka murder case
Exemption from CBI examination and directing it against taking coercive steps unacceptable
Hyderabad: In two major blows to Y.S. Avinash Reddy, an accused in the murder of Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy, the Telangana High Court on Friday refused his pleas seeking exemption from being examined by CBI, which is investigating the murder, and directing the agency not to take coercive steps against him.
Justice K. Lakshman said that such a blanket order is impermissible. The judge pronounced the orders in the interim applications filed by Avinash Reddy, who had expressed apprehensions that CBI was trying to fix him in the murder case. He also expressed apprehensions that the CBI investigation officer was determined to frame him.
After hearing lengthy arguments on behalf of Avinash Reddy and the CBI, the court had reserved the orders in the said applications two days back.
On Friday, it said that the prayers of the former were unacceptable. Justice Lakshman said that the court is not inclined to stay his examination under Section 161 of the Cr.PC. In view of the law laid down by the Supreme Court in the Neeharika Infrastructure (supra) case, this court is not inclined to grant relief as sought by the petitioner in directing CBI not to take any coercive steps.
Meanwhile, the court said that Reddy’s examination by the CBI shall be audio- video recorded. Further, the court said that his advocate cannot accompany him in the room where he is examined. However, Avinash Reddy shall be examined within the sight of his advocate, who cannot interfere with the examination.