Muppidi Avinash Reddy Granted Regular Bail in AP Liquor Policy Scam
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi noted that 11 accused have been granted bail in the case so far.
Vijayawada: The Supreme Court has granted a regular bail to the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam ccused Muppidi Avinash Reddy. A three-judge division bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul Pancholi held a hearing on the plea for grant of bail in the liquor scam case in New Delhi on Friday.
The bench noted that the petitioner had surrendered upon his return from abroad and undergone custodial interrogation and judicial custody.
Senior advocate Siddartha Luthra appearing for AP government opposed the granting of regular bail to the petitioner and contended that such a relief might impact other cases.
Senior advocate Siddartha Dave appearing for the appellant submitted that his client has returned from abroad to face law. This was pursuant to his commitment, and surrendered before the investigating authority on February 26.
He informed the court that seven accused in the case were granted bail while five remained in custody.
The court observed, “Without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, we invoke our powers under Article 142 of the Constitution. Instead of granting the relief of anticipatory bail, we mould the same for the grant of regular bail.”
“Consequently, the appellant is directed to be released on regular bail during the pendency of the trial.”
The court clarified that since the appellant has been released on bail by keeping in view the peculiar facts and circumstances of this case, this order would not be considered as a binding precedent for the purpose of the grant of bail in other matters.
