Andhra Pradesh High Court asks why Reliance is not part of CBI probe

By S A Ishaqui
Hyderabad, Dec 5 : The AP High Court on Monday asked why Reliance Industries has not been made one of the parties in the plea by Ms Vijayalakshmi, wife of Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, seeking a CBI probe into the alleged amassing of wealth by former chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice P.V. Sanjay Kumar commenced its hearing on the pleas of Mr Naidu, media baron Ramoji Rao, TD MP Nama Nageswara Rao, TD vice-president and Rithwik Projects promoter C.M. Ramesh, actor turned realtor M. Murali Mohan and Kakinada seaport promoter Mr K.V. Rao seeking vacation of the interim orders granted against them.

Referring to the allegations of the petitioner with regard to alleged nexus between Mr Ramoji Rao and Reliance Industries in finalising the KG Basin exploration deal and investment by Reliance through Nimesh Kampani into Mr Ramoji Rao’s firms, the CJ asked why Reliance had not been made party in the plea.

The CJ also sought to know from the CBI about the guidelines of the agency in conducting a regular and preliminary probe. The Chief Justice also pointed out the possibilities of adopting coercive methods by the CBI or state police during the probe and protection of the fundamental rights of the parties in the plea. The High Court on November 14 directed the CBI, Enforcement Dire-ctorate, and the state police department to investigate into various alleged acts of ‘indulgence’ by Mr Naidu, former chief minister and his alleged conduits and submit reports in sealed cover to the HC within three months. Aggrieved by it Mr Naidu and others filed special leave petitions before the Supreme Court by contending that the HC will not provide them an opportunity of being heard and passed an ex-parte order.

The apex court requested the High Court to hear their grievance and pass appropriate orders. Then they moved the HC seeking vacation of the order. Mr Sushil Kumar, Jaideep Gupta and Neeraj Kishan Kaul, senior counsel from the Supreme Court, arguing on behalf of Ms Vijayalakshmi contended that the High Court is yet to form an opinion in the context of the criminal culpability of the respondents and the stage had not yet to come to hear the respondents.

They said that interim order of the High Court was well written and well guarded with regard to the fundamental rights of the parties. Mr Anil Dewan, senior counsel arguing for Mr. Ramoji Rao said that the state police have to invoke the CRPc to conduct probe against his client which will have an adverse impact on the prestige and image of his client. Arguments will continue on Wednesday.