The case involving Chandrababu Naidu, former Andhra Pradesh state Chief Minister, and the Skill Development scam has seen a significant development. This Tuesday, the India Supreme Court referred a petition to a larger bench which had been filed by Naidu appealing for the quashing of a criminal complaint in relation to the scam. Prior to this, Naidu was arrested and consequently released on bail due to this case.
The two-member bench comprising Justice Aniruddh Boase and Justice Bela Trivedi delivered contrasting judgements in the case of Nara Chandrababu Naidu v. State of Andhra Pradesh.
Justice Aniruddha’s judgement partially approved of Naidu’s appeal, stating that approval from the relevant authority under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 is needed for any investigation or inquiry against a public servant linked to their official responsibilities. Naidu, due to the absence of prior approval, cannot be prosecuted under this Act, although he can still be proceeded against under the Indian Penal Code.
In contrast, Justice Trivedi expressed that a lack of approval under Section 17A does not invalidate proceedings against a public servant. She also stated that Section 17A could not be applied retrospectively and Naidu’s prosecution was concerned with offences prior to the 2018 amendment. She also sanctioned the possibility of Naidu’s prosecution under the Indian Penal Code.
As a result of the judges’ differing opinions, the case has now been referred to a larger bench for deeper consideration.
In September 2023, Naidu was accused in the Skill Development Corporation scam case by the Crime Investigation Department (CID). Naidu was criticized for his lack of cooperation during the interrogation, offering vague responses, and claiming to not recall certain key aspects. The CID alleged that both Naidu and the Telugu Desam Party benefited from the misappropriated funds. Naidu was also depicted as the principal conspirator in this case by the CID chief.
More information about the case can be found in the detailed report on JURIST.